Door-to-Door Scam/Theft?
 

So I was sitting at home today and I heard the doorbell go off. I then proceeded to open the door and this middle aged white man was there. And he immediately replied, "Sorry, I think I have the wrong house." And walks off. We look out our window and the guy basically walks down the block and turns at the corner and is out of sight.

Now, I've heard of things similar to this. Where this "guy" happened to go to the wrong house, but infact he was just scoping out the place before they attempt a theft/robbery. Like when people test to see if cars have alarm systems before returning for the bigger prize etc.

Should I be concerned? Unfortunately we all have to attend a dinner this evening so I can't keep a watch to see if this guy returns.

Any "realistic" measures I should be taking? TIA



EDIT: East-Van, Killarney HS area.

I would follow your gut instinct. It sounds like someone was either trying to break in or scoping it out for later.

Keep some lights and a television on to create the illusion someone is home. I'd draw the drapes/blinds though.

Many many years ago we lived on rural acreage. One day I called in sick from school. Home alone, someone knocked and I didn't open. Just opened the window a bit because I had a bad feeling. Two teenage guys were at the door. They asked whether I had Rottweilers for sale or something. I said "no". They asked me if my address was 12345 8th ave. In fact, I lived on 4th ave. I guess they were caught off guard that someone was home.

I had a bad feeling about them and called the cops. Turned out the Ford Escort wagon they were driving was stolen.

As a result, I preach for anyone to go with their gut instinct. If it feels suspicious it probably is.

Kev

I would leave the stereo on etc... and perhaps let your neighbors know about what happened etc... that way they can take a peek out the window if they hear unusual noises, or see cars (that aren't yours) on your driveway.

+1

I'd let your neighbours (beside you and across the street) know about what happened. It's always good to keep an eye out on each other's house for suspicious activity because it helps promote the idea of a safe neighbourhood.

TV on upstairs, stereo downstairs blasting metal or gangsta rap. That way it'll create the illusion that mom and pop are upstairs watching TV and some angry teenager is downstairs listening to music.

Either way they'll be worried about an asskicking

I always leave my Living room, with lights on and TV on but ofcourse closing the blinds and stuff.

Thanks guys, I'll be setting those precautions tonight. Hopefully they were scared off when I first opened the door for them.

Heading out to dinner now.

hope they arent thieves, TOS'd

some punk ass kids rang my door bell one day and said they went to the wrong house, i questioned them who they were looking for, whats their purpose. then they wandered off somewhere without answering me

and like someone else mentioned, its always good to make friends with your neighbours so everyone can keep an eye out for eachother, never make enemies with households beside you

btw its also great if you have a dog

Get a nice comfy chair and park it in the middle of the hallway. Turn off all the lights, get a shotgun and sit back and wait. First person who comes through the door - blast away.

^ wtf lol...

LOL. :thumbsup:

hmmm, this is kinda scary
hope all goes well for you!

this gives me the creeps though since my bf's house has been broken into before as well

other than the above advice given, i was just going to say, it's probably not a good idea to post on a public forum that no one is going to be in your home tonight.

yeah, cause we know his address right?

Holy crap, when I got home I didn't realize how loud I set my computer volume at. When I got to my front door, I could hear the bass from my music pretty well, and the occasional gun fire since I forgot to close my cs1.6 and I was idling in a pub hahaha.



Yea, as soon as the door was opened the guy looked and said wrong house, then walked away and even neglected to shut my fence gate. :mad: He never once looked back to the house.

I'll be sure to do this the next time someone rings my doorbell at night when I'm not expecting family or friends over. My shotgun is aching for some action, and polishing.

It's ok, I trust RS. My address is as follows btw:
6454 Killarney Street
Vancouver, B.C.
Please call me at, (604) 713-8950, to let me know I should be expecting company.

I was worried the whole night actually, but now I'm home and I checked out all the locks and stuff, even the other car out front (since someone attempted to get in it on several occasions).

That's you in the pic right?;)

you never know who's watching ;)

SEVERAL occasions? whoa...you don't put any valuables in it do you?
pretty dangerous neighborhood from what i'm hearing... :S

^ No f'ing valuables what so ever. Its a stock SUV. Not even a balling one, jsut some domestic. But on several occasions we would see that the lock on the driver side has been tampered with. This of course is over a period of like 5 years say. There are a bunch of projects/govt housing around too.

what do you want to do if u do catch the theft?

Can't really do anything...especially with our legal system. I'd probably get sued if I laid a finger on them.

The legal system only applies if you get caught.

;)

How dare anyone got the balls to attempt to even think of robbing during the day.

Gotta get my bat/weapons ready incase something goes down. Since I live near this area lol.

lol if this was Texas, that would be perfectly legal

Its not as suspicious robbing in the day. Also, I should pay a visit to your house and do the same thing ^_^