‘Tis the season when unscrupulous scam artists try to take advantage of some of the well-intentioned residents of Summit.
There are several different types of scams which have taken place in the past and have recently taken place in surrounding towns,
They will call on the phone asking if your chimney needs cleaning, if you agree to a low cost cleaning and inspection it will inevitably turn out to be a $1500.00 repair. Requiring that the victim’s chimney be relined.
Don’t fall for this scam, consider the following.
1. Why would a chimney cleaning service travel miles, sometimes even from another state to do a $60.00 cleaning job on your chimney?
2. Any repair to your chimney requires a city permit before the work commences, this is for your protection, and not a revenue maker for the city. Inquire about permits before any work.
3. Every chimney these scam artists have checked is in need of relining, but when checked by a local well-established service, some did not even require cleaning.
4. The so-called chimney cleaning service man just happens to have enough supplies in his van to do the repair on your house, coincidence. I think not!
Another scam which has been successfully used in the past, the driveway repair or seal coating service. A man will come to your door usually stating that he has just finished a neighbors driveway and has some of the sealing product left over, he will do your driveway for half the price just to get rid of the excess sealant. In most cases is not sealant but waste motor oil, which will look good for a while but will not dry and will deteriorate the driveway.
Consider the following
- Are there several men walking about the neighborhood, if so how much sealant could he have left over?
2. Are you a senior citizen? Seniors are very trusting and might fall for a scam quicker than others. Seniors are sometimes reluctant to report the fact that they have been scammed, they are embarrassed at being tricked.
3. Is the suspect driving a vehicle with out of state license plates, most do.
4. Close your door. DO NOT let any stranger into your house. Call the police immediately and report what is happening.
Several men will call at the door; some might even be wearing uniforms such as water company or gas company employees. They will say that there has been a water leak or gas leak in the area and they have to get into your house to check your water/gas service. One of the men will keep you busy talking while the others ransack your home stealing anything of value. One elderly lady lost her engagement ring simply by shaking hands with one of these thieves.
Consider the following
- Are they driving an official water/gas company vehicle?
- Are they wearing identification badges?
3. If there is even the slightest doubt in your mind, call the police immediately. Do not let strangers into your house.
- Legitimate utility workers will not take offense at being asked for their identification, that’s why they carry identification cards
Please Don’t Become A Victim
Don’t give your money away and don’t let strangers into your house to steal your valuables.
Officer Rodney Watson
Crime Prevention Officer
For a free Security Survey conducted at your home in Summit, phone or email the Crime Prevention Unit.
For information on Neighborhood Watch, phone or email Officer Rodney Watson
Scams Targeting Our Senior Citizens
Chimney Cleaning Scam
Driveway Sealing Scam
Utility Worker Scam
Summit Police Department
Crime Prevention Unit
512 Springfield Ave Summit, NJ 07901
Each year, $1.255 billion in personal items and accessories are stolen from vehicles in about 1.85 million thefts; and for every theft, experts estimate, there are several break-ins and attempted break-ins.
Not surprisingly, the costs from break-ins can be significant. Owners can place an insurance claim for vehicle damages (shattered glass or a broken lock) as well as the replacement of a factory audio system if it's been stolen, but only if comprehensive coverage is a part of the policy. Multiple claims for break-ins, in addition to the zip code where you park your car, can have a significant impact on your insurance policy.
Before you decide to move out of your zip code to attract a better insurance rate, keep these tips in mind. With these common sense habits and preventative measures, you can greatly reduce the chances your vehicle will become a target.
1. Lock Your Doors.
While this piece of advice should be a no-brainer, up to a quarter of vehicle thefts are from unlocked cars. Even if you're just running into the store for a Coke, that's too long to leave your vehicle's contents open for the taking. Simply locking the doors will deter those who might just be waiting around for an easy target.
2. Keep it Tidy.
Almost any worthless personal item that's visible from the outside--even an empty shopping bag--could be seen as a valuable or a carrier of valuables. If you have a wagon or SUV that leaves your cargo area on display, consider getting a cover. Most of these vehicles can be fitted with inexpensive retractable covers to help keep shopping bags or other belongings out of sight.
3. Conceal all the evidence.
Don't leave any bait out for thieves; stow your electronics and accessories well out of sight--or better yet, bring it with you. The evidence alone might be enough to pique the interest of thieves, so hide that too, including power plugs, telltale iPod adapters, or navigation-system windshield suction-cup mounts, and even put the cigarette lighter back in place.
4. Stash Before (Not After) You Park.
Get in the habit of putting shopping bags in the trunk right when you return to the vehicle, rather than after you park at the next place. Thieves sometimes linger in busy parking lots looking for valuables being moved out of sight. Don't display to them what you have.
5. Completely Close Windows and Sunroofs.
No, it's not just because thieves might reach in through the gap and open your locks with a coat hanger. Open windows will disable the pressure sensor in some car alarms, leaving the vehicle more vulnerable to break-in and potentially giving thieves more time before the alarm sounds.
6. Get an Alarm.
If you don't have an alarm system, get one. The noise alone may be enough to scare away an inexperienced thief and prevent the break-in. Factory-option alarm systems are generally best, but a carefully installed, properly calibrated aftermarket system can provide just as much safety. Beware many less-expensive new cars have remote entry but not a true alarm. In some instances you may be eligible for an auto insurance policy discount from the installation of your alarm as well.
7. Stick With Your Original Audio System.
Thefts of car audio components are on the decline, but having an aftermarket system still makes a car more attractive to thieves thinking of breaking in. There's no black market to speak of for factory stereos, and they've become much better sounding in recent years. Beyond that, an original audio system can often fall under your auto insurance policy during a theft claim, where a custom unit is more difficult to file in a claim (if at all).
8. Park for Visibility.
Park in a busy, well-lit area, and avoid concealment from larger vehicles, fences, or foliage. Except for the most brazen thieves, the greater the chances are that someone might see a crime in progress, the lower the chances are that the potential thief will attempt it.
9. Get physical.
A significant portion of vehicles are broken into with the intent of stealing the vehicle itself, so combining several visible simple, inexpensive physical theft deterrents like steering wheel locks (The Club), steering column collars, or brake pedal locks may discourage the would-be thief from breaking in and trying.
10. Layer your Defenses.
That's the strategy recommended by the NICB; layers include warning devices such as alarms, wheel etching, or decals; immobilizers; and even tracking systems (LoJack is one). None of them are foolproof, but if they're used in tandem they can really keep the chances down.
(Source AOL auto correspondent Bengt Halvorson)
Ways to Avoid Theft From Your Car