The Owen Sound Police Service is investigating a daytime break and enter into a west side home.

Owen Sound Police Sergeant Sandra Green stated, "Yesterday afternoon, a residence was broken into and a quantity of jewelry was stolen while the owner was doing yard work in her back yard. She later discovered the theft of jewelry."

The investigation revealed that the home owner had attended the front of her residence and encountered awoman standing by her front door. The woman made an inquiry as to whether the house was for sale. When told no, the woman had a brief discussion about another house that had a for sale sign in the neighborhood. She then walked away. The homeowner later discovered the theft, and it is believed that the woman had been inside the home while the homeowner was in the back yard.

"The use of a ruse is common among thieves who do these daytime break-ins. First they will knock on the door to see if anyone answers it. If a person comes to the door or they are otherwise encountered, the thief will make an excuse for their presence."

To reduce the risk of becoming a victim, the Owen Sound Police Service want to remind everyone to ensure their front doors are locked even if they are working or otherwise enjoying their back or side yards. Also, there are a lot of people who go door-to- door for legitimate reasons and those people should display or be able to produce identification when asked.

Anyone in the city who has experienced a similar ruse in the last couple of days whereby they felt uneasy or suspicious of a person at their door but did not report it to police is asked to call the Owen Sound Police Service at 519-376- 1234.