As the Director of Security, I receive a lot of information on criminal activity throughout the state of Florida. I feel that the sharing of this information with you is part of my duty. I’d like to a take moment to inform you all about two current criminal trends.
The first trend that you may or may not be aware of is called a “Distraction Burglary”. A distraction burglary is a burglary that typically occurs when a suspect(s) tries to gain access into your home by providing frivolous information on potential new work or repair work. The suspect(s) will either lead a resident out of the house or distract the resident at their front door. While the resident is occupied outside, the accomplice enters the home by another door or window and steals valuables such as money and jewelry.
The other trend is called the “One Ring” phone scam. The one-ring scam targets victims who returns a missed call from a mystery number. In this case, the scammers let the phone ring once and then hang up. The victims who call the number back are connected to a paid “adult entertainment service” located overseas. Callers are generally charged a $19.95 international call fee up front, plus $9 or more per minute for the unwanted “service.”
Crazy right? Just goes to show you the levels individuals are willing to go to commit crimes and make you their next victim. A few simple tips that can help prevent you from becoming the next victim of a scam are, be suspicious of people arriving at your door claiming to be a door –to- door salesmen, or working for a repair company, looking for a friend, or a person asking for directions. Ask for identification for those claiming to be with a service company and/or call the company to verify workers in your area. Ignore incoming or missed calls from out-of-state phone numbers that you don’t recognize, and carefully check cell phone bills.
There’s an old saying that goes “knowing is half the battle”, the more you know the better equipped you are to protect yourself. You are encouraged to report all suspicious vehicles, person(s), and activity and never hesitate to call security at 627-1600. Any information on the person(s) involved or vehicle description will be helpful.