jnieman
09-26-2015, 10:46 AM
Post in Crime & Safety
Professional Burglary Ring may Target The Villages Again … Be Alert 1d ago
Michael Goss from Sanibel Central
The purpose of this note is to alert everyone to the possibility that a professional burglary ring may be targeting The Villages again in the upcoming winter months. In addition, I want to ask everyone to be alert and, most importantly, remember that if you see something suspicious, call 911.
The source of my information is LT Robert Siemer, Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. He is the recently appointed District Commander for The Villages.
http://www.**************.com/robert-siem...
A nine-week “Citizens Academy” course, focused on the Sumter County Sheriff’s Department, is currently in progress. LT Siemer recently addressed about 75 attendees and mentioned that last winter a professional burglary ring located in Chicago transited south, and committed a string of crimes in several southern states down to Florida including The Villages. Due to the gang’s success, he has concerns these criminals may strike us again.
This professional criminal gang ended up “working” The Villages and successfully made off with about $100,000 of stolen goods … most of it cash, jewelry and other high value items. The gang was described as the “Armenian” group whereas a person in the audience referred to them as a “Gypsy” ring. LT Siemer, however, said the point to remember is the thieves are “senior citizens” who pretty much look like any other Villager. The Sheriff’s office came close to breaking and arresting the ring but, in several instances, critical information was delayed or not reported. Remember, these criminals are professionals so they will NOT be doing anything to draw attention and, as mentioned, are senior citizens thus blend in easily within The Villages. The gang carefully cases houses and then quickly forces entry to burgle them and rapidly exits with the goods.
Several people saw the suspects but did not report it quickly or in some cases not at all. Some were reluctant to call 911 so they called Community Watch instead. An example is an instance where a neighbor noticed an unknown “older person” in a nearby backyard, and, thinking an older person must be ok, later saw this same person inside the nearby lanai … yet, failed to call it in to 911. That would have made a major difference because it was an active burglary in progress.
LT Siemer said by far the single most important thing any of us can do is to pay attention to people that may be walking or driving around your neighborhood who otherwise seem out of place. If you see something you think is odd or suspicious, and even if you’re not totally sure, LT Siemer said “call 911!!” You will not get in trouble and the Sheriff’s Department will sort it out to determine the appropriate response by law enforcement.
Another class attendee suggested that, if you see something and can do so without getting directly involved, use your smart phone to take photos. License plates would be especially helpful. However, under no circumstances, should you inject yourself into the situation. The rule to remember is simple … if in doubt call 911.
Thanks.
Professional Burglary Ring may Target The Villages Again … Be Alert 1d ago
Michael Goss from Sanibel Central
The purpose of this note is to alert everyone to the possibility that a professional burglary ring may be targeting The Villages again in the upcoming winter months. In addition, I want to ask everyone to be alert and, most importantly, remember that if you see something suspicious, call 911.
The source of my information is LT Robert Siemer, Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. He is the recently appointed District Commander for The Villages.
http://www.**************.com/robert-siem...
A nine-week “Citizens Academy” course, focused on the Sumter County Sheriff’s Department, is currently in progress. LT Siemer recently addressed about 75 attendees and mentioned that last winter a professional burglary ring located in Chicago transited south, and committed a string of crimes in several southern states down to Florida including The Villages. Due to the gang’s success, he has concerns these criminals may strike us again.
This professional criminal gang ended up “working” The Villages and successfully made off with about $100,000 of stolen goods … most of it cash, jewelry and other high value items. The gang was described as the “Armenian” group whereas a person in the audience referred to them as a “Gypsy” ring. LT Siemer, however, said the point to remember is the thieves are “senior citizens” who pretty much look like any other Villager. The Sheriff’s office came close to breaking and arresting the ring but, in several instances, critical information was delayed or not reported. Remember, these criminals are professionals so they will NOT be doing anything to draw attention and, as mentioned, are senior citizens thus blend in easily within The Villages. The gang carefully cases houses and then quickly forces entry to burgle them and rapidly exits with the goods.
Several people saw the suspects but did not report it quickly or in some cases not at all. Some were reluctant to call 911 so they called Community Watch instead. An example is an instance where a neighbor noticed an unknown “older person” in a nearby backyard, and, thinking an older person must be ok, later saw this same person inside the nearby lanai … yet, failed to call it in to 911. That would have made a major difference because it was an active burglary in progress.
LT Siemer said by far the single most important thing any of us can do is to pay attention to people that may be walking or driving around your neighborhood who otherwise seem out of place. If you see something you think is odd or suspicious, and even if you’re not totally sure, LT Siemer said “call 911!!” You will not get in trouble and the Sheriff’s Department will sort it out to determine the appropriate response by law enforcement.
Another class attendee suggested that, if you see something and can do so without getting directly involved, use your smart phone to take photos. License plates would be especially helpful. However, under no circumstances, should you inject yourself into the situation. The rule to remember is simple … if in doubt call 911.
Thanks.