The Collier County Sheriff’s Office cautions residents to be
aware distraction burglars are again at work.
These criminals generally target senior citizens by
deceiving and distracting the victim. They typically pose as tree trimmers,
appliance repair workers or contractors pointing to a problem with a roof.
The most recent incident occurred Thursday in the Naples
Park community in North Naples.
The 75-year-old victim told deputies that he was working in
his garage around 2 p.m. when he was approached by a man he did not know. The
man asked if he could go in the back yard so the victim could show him where
the survey stake was because he was going to be installing a fence for the
neighbor’s yard.
While they were in the back yard another man the victim did
not know approached them. He asked the other man if he got all the information
he needed. The two men then left together.
The victim went back inside his residence and noticed jewelry
on the floor. Further investigation revealed several pieces of jewelry had been
stolen.
Deputies searched the area but were unable to locate the men.
An investigation continues.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Collier County
Sheriff’s Office at 252-9300, or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crime
Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).
CCSO urges all residents to take certain precautions if
there is a stranger at the door.
The CCSO Crime Prevention Bureau offers these safety tips:
* Be suspicious of workers who arrive unannounced.
* Never allow a stranger to come into your house.
* Be cautious about anyone who tries to lure you out of your
house to another part of your property.
* Ask for identification and call the company. When calling,
have the employee wait outside of your residence and use a number from the
phone book and not a number given to you by the worker.
* Always notify CCSO if persons are going from door to door
trying to sell you a service or a product, even if they appear to be
legitimate. Let deputies confirm their occupational license or the validity of
their company. Remember, if it’s too good to be true, it probably is.
Anyone worried about a suspicious stranger should call 911
immediately with a description of the individual. Don’t put off calling.
Deputies need to know what is happening on your street right away.
Watch a CCSO video about distraction burglars: https://youtu.be/riHQEwfhIHo
