From our friends in the Sea Isle Park Neighborhood Association (SIPNA): Good info to share with your neighborhoods-
#1
Please share this important recommendation with your neighbors who may not have email.
Col. Billy Garrett, Union Station precinct commander, has asked residents of the various Mid-town neighborhoods to not hire "wandering workers" to
help with yard work or related chores around your home.
With spring approaching, Col. Garrett reports that this very common practice
presents the potential for far more negative results than positive.
While the worker may be sincere and trustworthy, it is impossible for any of us to determine this on the spot.
Unfortunately, there are those who are using this tactic to get to know you and your home better - thus identifying an opportunity to come back and steal from you or your neighbors.
Be alert and protect your family and your home.
Common tactics that are used and that you should just say no to are:
* Quotes names of neighbors who they have worked for in the past.
* Asks to borrow a tool (rake, etc.) or trash bags because a neighbor has hired them but they need to provide their own tools.
* Wanders the neighborhood - You've seen this person around the neighborhood for years, so you assume they must be ok. However, none of your neighbors has referred them to you or mentioned that they have worked for them.
* Has a child with them and asks to do work in exchange for food.
* Looks like they are raking leaves at a neighbor's - who happens to not be home for you to verify that they actually hired the worker. They ask if can they come help you as they are now finished with what the neighbor asked them to do.
Tips to keep our neighborhood safe:
* Say no to anyone who wanders by even if they reference various neighbors by name.
* Ask your neighbors for references of legitimate business people should you need help with repairs or yard work.
#2
Most importantly Col. Garrett's advice to everyone across the city--not just in Midtown is this: "Please encourage our residents to walk with others and avoid walking alone. We have had a lot of violent incidents city-wide recently."
Please pass this message to your friends across the city. Violent crime is happening in all zip codes.
