Recently a male subject who appeared to be in his 30's or 40's pulled up to the home of a resident in a town very close to here and wanted to show the resident the poor condition of her driveway and explain what repairs he intended to make. He even told the resident that he already had a repair order to fix her driveway. Of course showing her the damage would require her to come out of her house with him.
This man was driving a nice white truck and appeared to be very concerned about her driveway. Fortunately this resident wasn't going to be an easy target. She noticed that he appeared to be texting someone on his phone as he talked to her. She asked him who had sent him to her house, but he skillfully re-directed the conversation. She again asked him who had sent him to her house and he used the usual methods that these scam artists use, he became more persistent and rude. She then told him to leave her property or she would call the police!
We have seen this type of conduct in criminals who commit what we call "diversion crimes." They may try to get you out of your residence and hold your attention while an accomplice enters your house and takes your belongings. They may also be trying to get you to leave your residence so that you do not have easy access to a telephone to call the police. They may simply want to show you damage on your driveway that they will request a "deposit" to fix and never return to complete the work. Below are some tips so that you can avoid becoming a victim.
NEVER leave your residence to discuss information with a door-to-door salesperson you did not request to come to your home!
ALWAYS keep a barrier between yourself and the uninvited person if possible, such as a locked screen door if you have one. You may also tell them to leave without opening the door to your house at all.
NEVER invite these people into your home. Remember that they may be there to take inventory of what you own. They may ask to use your washroom or telephone as a means to enter your home.
ALWAYS ask for their company information BEFORE making any deals with anyone or giving them your personal information. Research their company online and with the Better Business Bureau. If the deal seems "too good to be true", it is! You would be amazed what a simple Google search of a company's name may bring up!
ALWAYS alert the Lakemoor police when you believe someone is attempting to commit crimes in your neighborhood! You may know how to deal with these criminals when they come to your home, but the elderly woman down the block may not know! Neighbors need to look out for each other and criminals need to be caught! CALL THE POLICE!
Whenever it is practical try to bring a phone with you when you answer your door to a stranger. You may even call a family member and have them on the phone with you while you open the door. Talk to your children about what they should do if a stranger comes to the door while they are home.
The residents of Lakemoor are hard working people who believe that honesty and decency are traits required to be productive citizens. Unfortunately there are people out there who don't share these beliefs. There are people that would prefer to take what you have rather than earn it themselves! These criminals use your kindness and decency as a tool to get what they want. Don't let them push you into a situation that is bad for you! Your first and foremost responsibility is to look out for yourself, your family, and your neighbors! Don't be afraid to be rude if it prevents you from becoming a victim!
We shouldn't live in fear of criminals, we should make the criminals live in fear of us, by reporting suspicious activity to the police each and every time we see it! Remember "You are safer today than you were yesterday, because you are aware!"
