CRIME PREVENTION INFORMATION Transient Criminal Groups - Its about that time that they may begin their scams. The term Gypsies, Travellers, as stated are not used in a derogatory or demeaning way. It is used to describe ethnic groups, some of whose members are involved in criminal activity. The content below is not intended to imply that all members of these groups are criminals or involved in criminal activity. We all know them as Gypsies and Travellers They target the elderly. Why? 1. Cash & Jewelry kept in their homes 2. Home alone during the day 3. Reluctant victims and witnesses 4. Time delay in reporting crime 5. Physical concerns at hearings 6. Afraid and/or Embarrassed - To tell police, to tell family & friends, afraid of perpetrators coming back for revenge, children did not know they had money. Specific crimes: Distraction Home Burglaries - Once in the neighborhood, male and female teams will exit the vehicle while the driver circles the area. They will approach elderly victims either inside or outside their homes. An elderly person doing yard work is a common target. While one or two suspects approach the victim to ask questions, an additional suspect enters the victims house unseen to commit a burglary. While one or two members of the burglary team distract the victim(s), other members search the house for valuables. Many victims do not even realize they have been burglarized until days later. Victims who are extremely feeble or infirmed may never know they were victimized. Imposter Burglaries - Suspects committing imposter burglaries often target the elderly living in all types of communities. Many suspects have bogus photo identification cards, work uniforms, and vehicles made to look like government or company vehicles. In some instances, the suspects communicate with hand-held radios or cell phones while committing these offenses. Suspects, posing as legitimate workers, approach the elderly homeowners at their residences with the intent of gaining entry under a seemingly legitimate ruse. The real purpose is to divert the homeowner, while accomplices search for currency and jewelry. Some of the ploys used frequently by suspects are claims to be from the local electric company, water department, cable company, gas company, surveyors, tree trimmers, government personnel, or roofing, paving or other building trade workers. Home Repair Scams - Transient criminal groups enter areas offering bogus home repairs at an unusually affordable price. The work performed is poor quality, and victims are either knowingly overcharged due to additional supply costs or a misunderstanding of the original estimate, for example, the original price agreed upon did not include labor or the victims originally quoted payment by check is fraudulently raised to unusually high amounts and immediately cashed. For example, the amount on a $40 check for a pressure washing job may be altered to $4,000 by the perpetrators. These transient groups are only in the area for a short time and move on quickly. REPORT any suspicious people, vehicles to the police right away. Keep in mind that vehicles being used are usually trucks with Out of State registration plates. If you would like further information contact the police department.
Posted on: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 09:15:52 +0000
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