Roanoke police are warning residents about a scam and theft earlier this week. Police think the scammer may be targeting elderly people.
Here is more information from Roanoke police:
Roanoke Police Department Seeks Information in Larceny and Warns Public of
Scam Targeting Senior Citizen
The Roanoke Police Department is seeking information in a larceny that
occurred on October 16, 2012. Officers responded at 1:54 p.m. to Mud Lick
Road. Upon arrival they located the victim, an 80 year old female. She
stated that a male came to her door and began speaking with her. The
suspect entered the victim's home and claimed that the victim owed him
$850. That suspect stated that he worked for a tree removal company and
showed the victim an invoice. The victim told the suspect that she did not
hire a tree removal company and she would not pay the $850. The suspect
then grabbed the victim's purse off a table and fled from the residence.
The victim was not hurt. No arrests have been made. The suspect is
described as a white male with short brown hair between 20 and 25 years of
age. He was described as being five feet eight inches in height and
weighing approximately 170 pounds. The suspect was wearing blue jeans. If
anyone has information regarding this crime and/or the identity of the
suspect they should contact the Roanoke Police Department at (540) 853-5959
or Crime Line at (540) 344-8500. Crime Line may offer a monetary reward
for any information leading to an arrest.
The Roanoke Police Department offers the following crime prevention tips:
Do not let anyone you do not know into your home.
Do not give money to anyone who comes to your door offering to make repairs
to your home or trying to collect money for work they claim they performed
in the past.
Do not feel pressured to make a decision immediately if someone comes to
your door offering to make repairs to your home.
Talk to a loved one or trusted friend before making any decisions to have
repairs made to your home.
If someone comes to your door and you feel your safety is being threatened
or if you notice suspicious activity in your neighborhood call 911
immediately.
Citizens are encouraged to check on their elderly neighbors.
