Criminals are always adapting their methods, and two emerging tactics have recently caught the attention of local law enforcement in the Southwest Management District. According to Captain Lee Donovan, these threats involve burglars cutting off electricity to homes before breaking in, and scammers using artificial intelligence (AI) to impersonate loved ones over the phone. While both schemes sound alarming, awareness and proactive measures can help residents stay safe.

Power Tampering: When Burglars Turn Out the Lights

Some burglars are now manipulating external meters or fuse boxes to shut off electricity at targeted homes. Once the lights go out, alarm systems and outdoor cameras may stop functioning, giving intruders an easier time entering undetected. Many homeowners don’t suspect that anyone would tamper with their utilities, making this approach surprisingly effective for criminals.

“We’ve seen incidents where criminals discover vulnerabilities in new technology or utility setups,” explains Captain Donovan, a law enforcement official serving the district. “They’ll exploit any gap they find. If power is lost for no obvious reason, consider calling your utility provider or the authorities to be safe.”

How You Can Protect Yourself:

  • Keep the areas around meters or fuse boxes well-lit and clear of obstructions.
  • Place visible deterrents—such as signage or a basic surveillance device—near outdoor utility units.
  • Consider battery backups for key systems so alarms and cameras remain functional if power is cut.
  • Immediately report any unusual power outages, rather than investigating on your own.

AI Phone Scams: Voices That Sound Familiar

Equally concerning is a surge in AI-driven phone scams. Using advanced voice-cloning software, scammers can create startlingly convincing imitations of loved ones in distress or impersonate reputable institutions. The caller might demand money for what sounds like a family emergency or pressure the recipient to settle a fictitious legal matter.

“These scams work by triggering panic,” says Captain Donovan. “If someone you care about seems to be in danger, your gut reaction is to help right away. The scammers rely on that emotion to make you act before thinking.”

How You Can Stay Safe:

If you receive a call claiming a relative is in urgent trouble, hang up and call that person back on their known number.

Legitimate agencies do not typically demand immediate payment or sensitive information over the phone.

Trust your instincts. If a caller seems off—even if the voice is familiar—double-check by reaching out to the real individual or organization.

When in doubt, contact local authorities for advice or to report the suspicious call.

A District-Wide Effort

Captain Donovan encourages residents and businesses in the Southwest Management District to share information about these new crime trends with neighbors, employees, and community groups. Reporting suspicious activity and incidents—such as tampered meters or scam calls—helps local authorities track patterns, identify suspects, and issue timely warnings.

“Community awareness is crucial,” Donovan emphasizes. “When neighbors look out for each other and take steps to protect their homes, criminals lose a lot of their advantage. Working together, we can keep our district safe.”

The Southwest Management District holds a public safety meeting where local authorities report crime trends and keep the community informed. The public is welcome to attend this meeting. Learn more online at southwestmanagementdistrict.org.