So as you all are aware we've had a problem with vehicle theft out here again. What I did not disclose at the time was we're also experiencing daytime break-ins, a couple forced entries, and sadly a friend's house going up in a huge fire. All peaked within the last 3-4 weeks, but has been going on here since just before Thanksgiving 2010.
Then today this happens with me at home..
I just had a lady come to the house offering a "Green Energy Audit..." she was from "So-and-so Company blah-blah-blah we can set up an appointment to check your windows, doors, bill, etc." *I was sitting behind the door monitoring what was being said and stepped into view at that point.
A family member sent her packing, but not after I'd noticed some key errors and red flags. I politely approached her informing her I was a part of our local watch and that she was not accompanied by a partner, nor properly displaying what is required I.D. by law, those being a visible business outfit (obscured by a yellow safety vest) and a photo I.D., as well as a company business card and clipboard. **All cheap clothes. I went to talk to the neighbor to ask him to call P.D. for me but his phone was dead and I placed the call instead. The lady faked like she was going to go one way and when she saw me 4 doors over with the neighbor letting him know what was up, she changed direction and all of a sudden another younger lady and two males made a point to book it past us and get in their vehicle.
Now, if she was gonna get her I.D. as she'd promised me she would've continued on her way doing her job. Instead they all started changing shirts and vests, removing them and got into a Ford Explorer. At this point I got into the car with my neighbor and got the descriptions as well as the plate info.
P.D just visited me and thanked me saying they've had this issue along with the break-ins for two months now. The people in fact even approached one officer at his home (he wasn't in uniform) where his wife initially answered the door and he silently listened. He acted nonchalantly, went to grab a copy of his electrical bill. He sharpied out the bill account info, his phone # and his address. When the person said he'd need the address info it confirmed the officer's suspicion because there the person was in front of him at his doorway, that displayed the address.
He pulled out his bi-fold wallet, smiled as he opened it, and said here's my info, of course..
..in the process the person see's his driver's license..
..as well as his badge.
Watch yourselves and know who it is at your door.
If in doubt get whatever info you are comfortable getting without endangering yourself and call the police immediately.
Worst case, you're wrong and the company get's their act straight, but honestly, companies know what they have to do and the criminals go elsewhere or get caught.
The window, door, entrance, bill bit, they get your private information, a full tour of your home and everything you own, and use a "thermal detector to scan for heat leaks...".
Actually the last part there is often a metal detector where they specifically target the in wall alarm wiring and window and door sensors to find faulty or inactively armed ones to make it that much easier to break in.
Note here, just because an alarm company complains they can't put a sensor on your small bathroom window because of moisture doesn't mean they can skip it. It's the 21st century here people, there are such things as waterproof door sensors.
Watch your homes and family's guys. I'd love to hear similar stories here of this advise working for you and prefer you not to have me say "Told ya so!'.
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