From Sumter County Sheriff

[bluedog103]

Notice from Sumer County Sheriff's Office

FYI - now on the District website


Village Community Development Districts (http://www.districtgov.org/)

Notice from Sumter County Sheriff's Office

Residents of The Villages have reported a person knocking on resident’s doors and windows requesting $20. This person has been knocking on doors and windows in the early morning hours (3:00 am to 4:00 am) in several neighborhoods in The Villages. The person states that he needs the cash to purchase gasoline so he can drive his mother, a fellow Villager and neighbor, to the hospital.



The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office is advising residents to look to see who is knocking at their door before opening it, at any time during the day or night. Residents should not open the door for people they do not recognize or feel comfortable with. Instead, residents should CALL 911 to report the suspicious person.

[starflyte1]

I would not like someone knocking on my door or window at 4am. I do not think I would leave my bedroom and would call the police. That is scary!

[Mudder]

It has happened in our Village in Lake County too. Same story totally. Beware.

[graciegirl]

Seems like if you called the police someone would catch him. Who would open their door in the middle of the night? No one very smart....

[rubicon]

Hmmmm Excuse me GG I happen to be up at 4:00AM and outside collecing my newspapers. No I don't knock on anyone's door. Conversely I nap at noon so a knock on the door annoys me. and finally yes I have my days and nights mixed up.:pepper2:

[Down Sized]

Wait until he knocks on a door at 3 or 4 am where the owner has a CCW weapon permit! :oops:

[Mr Hanky]

Let's not forget he has not been accused of robbing or stealing from anyone. He has only been accused of solicitation .
That said (in my opinion) a phone call to the police and maybe a camera would be sufficient.

[JoeC1947]

Notice from Sumer County Sheriff's Office

FYI - now on the District website


Village Community Development Districts (http://www.districtgov.org/)

Notice from Sumter County Sheriff's Office

Residents of The Villages have reported a person knocking on resident’s doors and windows requesting $20. This person has been knocking on doors and windows in the early morning hours (3:00 am to 4:00 am) in several neighborhoods in The Villages. The person states that he needs the cash to purchase gasoline so he can drive his mother, a fellow Villager and neighbor, to the hospital.



The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office is advising residents to look to see who is knocking at their door before opening it, at any time during the day or night. Residents should not open the door for people they do not recognize or feel comfortable with. Instead, residents should CALL 911 to report the suspicious person.

Wait, he had to drive his mother, a fellow villager and a neighbor to the hospital? We're all three in a fight? :confused:

[Down Sized]

I still think he will be very surprised if knocks on my door at 3AM( in my opinion) Maybe he should wait till 9 AM. Then we would TALK about it.

[Posh 08]

Simple steps can help prevent home invasion - CNN (http://articles.cnn.com/2010-09-16/justice/home.invasion.prevention_1_home-invaders-home-invasion-locks-and-window-security?_s=PM:CRIME)

[Indydealmaker]

Let's not forget he has not been accused of robbing or stealing from anyone. He has only been accused of solicitation .
That said (in my opinion) a phone call to the police and maybe a camera would be sufficient.

It is more likely that he is casing the neighborhood. The gas story is just in case someone actually answers the door.

[jblum315]

Someone rang my doorbell at 2:30 a.m. Friday night. I went to the door and looked through the glass panel but could see no one. Of course I was not about to open the door.

[missypie]

Someone rang my doorbell at 2:30 a.m. Friday night. I went to the door and looked through the glass panel but could see no one. Of course I was not about to open the door.

That is really scarey! Oh yes I would call the police SO FAST!!!!!

[Cantwaittoarrive]

I never open the door unless I'm expecting someone and of course then I look before I open to make sure it's who I expect

[graciegirl]

Someone rang my doorbell at 2:30 a.m. Friday night. I went to the door and looked through the glass panel but could see no one. Of course I was not about to open the door.

J. Listen to your friend ....Call the police, should it happen again!!!:(

[Taltarzac725]

Simple steps can help prevent home invasion - CNN (http://articles.cnn.com/2010-09-16/justice/home.invasion.prevention_1_home-invaders-home-invasion-locks-and-window-security?_s=PM:CRIME)

Beat me to it, Posh8.

This is also good. http://www.gunsandammo.com/2011/11/29/prevent-home-invasions/

[GatorFan]

I've had people come up to e with the same story in parking lots. I look at them and say I am sorry, but I did money for food.

[Joaniesmom]

It is more likely that he is casing the neighborhood. The gas story is just in case someone actually answers the door.

Good point! Never thought of that. I'm probably too gullible to ever be a good burglar! :laugh:

[billethkid]

do you and your spouse know what each is to do in the event of a happening as discussed in this thread?

My wife knows that if something like this should happen that I will get my gun and head for where the sound comes from. Her job is to get the phone in her hand and enter 911 on the phone. If I yell out call 911, she pushes the button to execute the call.

In our 57 years we have not had to do any of the above!!!

btk

[JoeC1947]

do you and your spouse know what each is to do in the event of a happening as discussed in this thread?

My wife knows that if something like this should happen that I will get my gun and head for where the sound comes from. Her job is to get the phone in her hand and enter 911 on the phone. If I yell out call 911, she pushes the button to execute the call.

In our 57 years we have not had to do any of the above!!!

btk

Not a bad idea to have your car remote handy too. Hit the panic button and the horn will start blasting and the lights will start flashing. It may scare them away and that's really what you want.

[ugotme]

Not a bad idea to have your car remote handy too. Hit the panic button and the horn will start blasting and the lights will start flashing. It may scare them away and that's really what you want.

Very good idea!

Although I can certainly relate and agree with what Billythekid said, as a holder of a CWP I may get my weapon, but the last thing I want is a confrontation.
Scare them off and call the police!

[NotGolfer]

Yup....I think they're casing the neighborhoods to try to find homes where folks are gone! I've thought about motion sensor lights so that might deter someone. What neighborhoods have they been focusing on? That hasn't been stated here. Is it where designer homes are? Or do they focus on wherever it looks good and quiet??

[Dirigo]

As someone who has actually stood at the door with loaded gun in my hand twice in my life, I will tell you: 1) I'm very glad I didn't have to use the gun, and 2) it has quite an effect on the person who knocked on the door.

In case #1 the person who was trying to break in gave up before I had to confront him (1972-in the days before 911) and in case# 2 the person froze when I opened the door; the handgun was behind my back, but he knew I was armed. Said he was looking for an old friend and got the wrong house (at 10 o'clock on a cold winter night).

God forbid anyone of us ever has to use a firearm in self-defense.