A woman called police Tuesday after a man who offered to help her with yard work wound up in her home. 

According to the Howard County Police, two men knocked on the door of a home on the 3700 block of Ligon Road at about noon and offered to help clean up branches in the back yard.

Police say the woman that answered the door walked both men to the back yard to show them the branches. One of the men, however, walked back to the front of the house and the other asked for a glass of water.

The woman told the man who asked for water to wait outside while she got the drink. According to police, when she walked inside, she saw the other man standing inside the house. She told police that the front door was not locked. 

After she spotted the second man inside her house, police said both men left and drove away in a red vehicle. Nothing was reported stolen.

There have not been any similar incidents in this neighborhood, according to police spokesperson Mary Phelan, but the department does offer these tips to stay safe from potential burglars:

• Never allow strangers into your house.
• Keep in mind that legitimate companies usually do not go door to door to solicit business.
• Always lock your doors, even when you are doing yard work.
• Verify identification of workers by calling the company and be suspicious of anyone who comes to your home without an appointment.
• Legitimate contractors will have you sign a contract.

If you are approached by anyone you suspect is trying to defraud or rob you, attempt to get a license plate number, description of the suspects and call 911. 

Police also reported weekend a burglary on the 8500 block of Linwood Drive. According to police, sometime between Saturday, Aug. 4 and Sunday, Aug. 5, suspects entered the house through an unsecured sunroom and stole a television.

And on Sunday, Aug. 5, a Yamaha Grizzly was reported stolen from the 13100 block of Triadelphia Road.

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