Detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying three people who committed a burglary earlier this month in the 9500 block of Third Place, Lorton. The suspects approached an elderly couple in front of their home and told the couple they were doing landscaping work at a neighbor’s house. They requested access to the backyard to evaluate several trees. Two of the suspects distracted the couple while the third suspect entered the home undetected and stole valuable personal items. The three suspects drove away a short time later in a white pickup truck hauling a trailer.
If you recognize the suspects or have any information about this case, contact Detective Staci Richards at 703-277-2372. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), by text – Type “FCCS” plus tip to 847411, and by web – Click HERE. Download our Mobile tip411 App “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers”. Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards of $100 to $1,000 dollars if their information leads to an arrest.
Here are some tips for preventing distraction burglaries and identifying home improvement scams:
•Keep your garage doors closed and exterior doors locked at all times.
•Lock your cars/car doors.
•Keep track of any workers who enter your property.
•Be the eyes and ears for your elderly neighbors.
•Seniors are often victims of distraction thefts: A “contractor” may be showing items “in need of repair” while another member of the crew enters a back door.
•Scam artists often target seniors and demand payment for work that was never completed or claim non-payment after payment has already been made.
•Scamming crews will often claim your home is in need of emergency repair and insist that work be done immediately. Common claims are repairs to chimney flashings, cracked foundations or driveway sealing.
•Scammers will often require a large down payment and never complete promised jobs.
•Soliciting without a license is illegal and perpetrators are often involved in other criminal activity.
•Do not accept work from solicitors who approach you in person.
•Do your own research and call companies directly.
•Ensure that they are insured and are properly licensed. During regular business hours, you can call the county at 703-324-5966 for licensing information.
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