Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/119978
Sarasota News Leader April 5, 2013 Page 51 RESIDENTS CAUTIONED ABOUT DISTRACTION BURGLARIES The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office is warn- allow the person into your home, the release ing residents about distraction burglaries, "a points out. If a person claims to be from a common but preventable crime this time of business, ask him to leave a card in the door. year," a news release says. "Never allow someone to perform home reA distraction burglary occurs when one sus- pairs on the spot," and after a person leaves, pect contacts the homeowner and identifies check his reputation with the Better Business himself as a utility worker, salesperson or Bureau or county government, the release laborer, the release notes. Once inside the says. house, the person distracts residents and steers them away from the door "so another If someone claims he needs assistance, tell suspect can sneak inside and steal valuables," him you will contact the Sheriff's Office to or the person will say he has to go to a spe- provide that help. cific room to look at something, the release If you are concerned, try to get a tag numcontinues. ber and description of the vehicle the person Others take residents outside under the guise is driving, the release continues. "Notify law of showing them needed repairs while some- enforcement so deputies can determine the one undetected enters the home, it adds real reason the person or persons are in your To protect yourself, never open the door for neighborhood," the release notes. Call either someone who arrives unannounced and never 911 or the non-emergency number: 316-1201. SARASOTA POLICE DEPARTMENT WARNS SCOOTER OWNERS OF THEFTS The Sarasota Police Department has cautioned residents that between January and April, numerous scooter thefts have been reported in the neighborhoods east of North Tamiami Trail between 18th Street and Mecca Drive. Most of the thefts have occurred during the morning hours, when the scooters or mopeds have been parked in front of residences, some locked with cables or chains, the notice says. The suspects are breaking the locks, taking the locks with them and pushing the scooters away, it adds. "This leaves no evidence at the scene." Parking the scooter inside a garage or keeping it locked under a carport is preferred, the notice adds. "It is recommended that you use the steering column lock if one is provided on the scooter." An alarm, which deters the thief once the scooter is touched or moved, can be purchased as well as disc brake locks and grip locks, the notice points out. The more layers of theft protection on a scooter, the less likely it will be stolen, the notice says. "Remember to keep alert for suspicious activity in your area," the notice continues. "If you The police believe it is better to lock a scoot- see it, report it." er/moped/small motorcycle to a non-movable object with a thick, strong chain or cable, the The Sarasota Police Department non-emernotice says. "The weaker the cable or chain, gency number is 316-1201. In an emergency, the easier it is to cut and remove," it points out. dial 911.