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AJC.com > Metro > View from the cop > Archives > 2007 > May > 22 > Entry
Burglary scam alert
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A man knocked on the victim’s door in the 500 block of Heards Ferry Road Mondy afternoon and told her he was hired to build a fence for her neighbor and wanted to know if she needed a fence as well. The suspect got the victim to walk outside and while she was outside a second person entered the residence. The victim’s husband came home and interrupted the suspect that had entered the house.
These kinds of burglary scams usually target the elderly or stay-at-home moms. The attempt is to get the homeowner out of the house or in a room while the second subject goes to the bedroom and takes jewelry, money, etc that can be carried way easily. The encounters are generally not violent but can turn quickly if confronted since the victim is out numbered.
Fence building, roofing, driveway repair or some other type of home repair or improvement is generally the story given to the victim.
Report suspicious cars and anyone soliciting business door-to-door, especially those without business permit badges displayed.
Comments
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By Jeffrey
May 23, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this
I was talked to by an “Orkin” man this weekend. He said that they were doing some pest control in the neighborhood and to save gas and time anyone that was interested they would take 50% off their initial visit. I already have pest control service and perhaps he was legitimate however you just never know.
By Realist
May 23, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this
My theory is a burgler gambles his live when he performs a B&E. So lets all help to improve their odds, when they knock to check if somebody is home. Don’t answer the door. You can usually look and see if its friend or foe without them seeing you. Then, if he enters and you are nice, you can impress your friends with the teeth marks on the butt of your shotgun where you removed several teeth from the intruder. If you feel threatened then they can remove the intruder in a body bag and you can find comfort in ridding the world of one more POS.
By Realist
May 23, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this
My theory is a burgler gambles his live when he performs a B&E. So lets all help to improve their odds, when they knock to check if somebody is home. Don’t answer the door. You can usually look and see if its friend or foe without them seeing you. Then, if he enters and you are nice, you can impress your friends with the teeth marks on the butt of your shotgun where you removed several teeth from the intruder. If you feel threatened then they can remove the intruder in a body bag and you can find comfort in ridding the world of one more POS.
By Lt. Steve
May 23, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this
Another one is the tag-team of three men working in the suburbs and looking primarily for seniors. One man goes door to door telling the resident that he is installing a fence for a nearby family. He offers to do a job for a discount rate since he’s already set up in the area. He lures the resident into the yard to measure. Number two suspect enters the home while they’re outside. The one that we had ended when the husband of the resident came home and found the man inside. The third guy, a driver and lookout, seeing that the husband had interrupted the burglary attempt, came up and asked the man to use his phone They quickly excused themselves and were gone in a flash. Beware of people soliciting big projects like fences and home remodeling. They may be legit but use caution and deny any access to your home. This may be a good time to act crazy.
By Jimmie
May 28, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this
Had a similar thing happen to my Mom last July.A guy knocked on her door,asked her to show him where her boundary line was,and was talking to another person on a cellphone while he was walking around with her.Kept her outside by talking about her car.When the other guy was done,he let him know via cell and then he thanked her and left.She knew something was wrong when she saw her cordless phone battery was taken out to prevent her from calling the police.Got nothing of great value, but took all her important papers.Took her months to get all things of neccessity replaced.But she can never replace her peace of mind,and the pix, and birth & death certificates of my only brother and other long lost relatives. There’s got to be a special punishment in Hell for people like them !
By Mark
June 1, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this
Here’s a tip. Tell them that if you wanted a fence, you would have called them.
By Brad
June 4, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this
Just for the fun of it, whenever you are asked to step outside of your home with an unknown indivitual let them see you pick up your gun and put it in your pants. This may make you look crazy but it sure is fun. You can also take it a step further and keep them outside, preferably lead them back to the front and keep talking for about an hour or two. Waste a whole lot of their time then let them know that you are getting real suspicious, it helps to have a twitch or start scratching your face and whispering to yourself.
By IAMADOGPERSON
June 4, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this
RECENTLY A YOUNG MAN CAME BY SOLICITING AN INHOME SECURITY ALARM SERVICE. AS I STOOD THERE TALKING TO HIM THROUGH MY SCREEN DOOR, 4 VERY LARGE DOGS (MINE) WERE INSIDE BARKING THEIR ASSES OFF! I SAID I HAVE AN ALARM SERVICE, CAN’T HE HEAR IT!
ALSO, WHEN THE DOGS ARE OUTSIDE, AFTER PEEKING OUT TO SEE IF IT IS FRIEND OR FOE, I WILL STAND ABOUT 2 - 3 FEET BACK FROM THE SCREEN DOOR WITH A BASEBALL BAT ON MY SHOULDER. WHY DO WE HAVE TO DO THIS?