Beware

[crummybuttons]

My husband and I both still work in TV. Yesterday, at 7:30am someone was ringing our doorbell repeatedly and pounding on the front door. Now, there were no cars in the driveway and the house is dark....Anyway to make a long story short our son is staying with us for a bit and was woken up by all the noise. When he opened the door finally it was a man telling him he used to trim the trees and bushes at our house and was wondering if we wanted them trimmed. My son, who's over 6' looked down at the man and said "my dad does all the yard work and trimming here, and why would you keep banging on the door and ringing the bell 30 times or so when no one answered after the first minute? He left....I got to thinking that we should all be aware of this guy. I read on vcdd home page that there was a couple doing this and then gaining access to the house to rob it. I don't think they'll be knocking at my door anytime soon now that they know someone's home. Scary....

[marianne237]

Thanks for the info. And new Village residents should be aware there may be several folks soliciting. Don't listen to them. Ask your neighbors for advice or ask your questions on this forum.....

[Yung Dum]

If they knock on your door, don't answer. This forum is a great place to find info on anything.

[BarryRX]

I think you have all missed the point. These people keep banging on the door because they are checking to see if anyone is home. If no one is home, they will break in. It's a shame that someone who was home didn't get a license plate number or report the suspicious activity to the police.

[Golfingnut]

I think you have all missed the point. These people keep banging on the door because they are checking to see if anyone is home. If no one is home, they will break in. It's a shame that someone who was home didn't get a license plate number or report the suspicious activity to the police.

How about sitting on the couch until they break in, then hold them at gunpoint till the police arrive.

[senior citizen]

Unfortunately, those that would attempt this type of home break in, perceive seniors as vulnerable. That, in and of itself, is a scary thought. The way some of the neighborhood homes are so isolated, not a good idea to open the door to anyone unless you are expecting them. Even in Vermont there have been home invasions (where years ago such a thing was totally unheard of and we'd leave our doors open to go for a walk; people still do not lock their doors in rural areas......but not a good idea).

[Finfan]

:MOJE_whot:How about sitting on the couch until they break in, then hold them at gunpoint till the police arrive.

I AGREE

[rubicon]

It certainly was inappropriate as to the actions of this individual. It may be that the OP is correct? However, it also could be that the guy does tree trimming ,etc. It would not be unusual especially in this deadly heat for a contractor to get an early start. It also would not be unusual for the OP not to have seen a vehicle as many contractor park at one spot and go door to door. I would suggest that the OP visit with some neighbors to determine if they also were solicited and /or had they had trimming work done.

Trimming trees etc is very competitive and I can understand an individual being anxious about gaining customers.

If this guy was legit he lost a customer because he over reacted. Keep in mind that making that much noise that early in the morning doesn't bode well for someone who intends to rob a house...but then most criminals are not the brightest.

[tommy steam]

Why didn't you call the cops?

[Golfingnut]

It certainly was inappropriate as to the actions of this individual. It may be that the OP is correct? However, it also could be that the guy does tree trimming ,etc. It would not be unusual especially in this deadly heat for a contractor to get an early start. It also would not be unusual for the OP not to have seen a vehicle as many contractor park at one spot and go door to door. I would suggest that the OP visit with some neighbors to determine if they also were solicited and /or had they had trimming work done.

Trimming trees etc is very competitive and I can understand an individual being anxious about gaining customers.

If this guy was legit he lost a customer because he over reacted. Keep in mind that making that much noise that early in the morning doesn't bode well for someone who intends to rob a house...but then most criminals are not the brightest.

:BigApplause:

[MikeV]

How about sitting on the couch until they break in, then hold them at gunpoint till the police arrive.

That would be my vote!

[senior citizen]

Reputable landscapers do NOT need to go banging on people's doors at crazy hours.
We've had our share of "tree trimmers" or "tree surgeons" knock on our door while going door to door.

The few neighbors who did fall for their "line" eventually regretted hiring them and thanked God that they and their "crew" were not killed. They'd bring their gal pals and such to drag the tarps. Hang in the trees in precarious positions.
Scary to watch them. Plus, it took triple the time that our regular guys would take.

We use our regular landscaper/lawn mower to trim our trees, plus his Dad comes along with his "lineman" equipment for climbing the power lines.......and they do a great job. Wonderful family. The "kid" is also our handyman and will come at a moment's notice to help us move something or yank out a bush or shrub. We have watched him grow from a newborn baby to a young father with a new baby of his own.

True landscapers are so busy (and tired in their off hours) they advertise plus gather new accounts by word of mouth and praise from satisfied customers. Truly, no need for any reputable business to go "door to door"........no matter what the trade or business.

Perhaps when just starting out, a young one might pass out flyers or pamphlets to gain new business........but no need to knock on doors. They can just as well post their services on a bulletin board someplace in each village......or even supermarket or church bulletin board like our N.J. nephew did. He now has more business than he can handle.

Luckily, living in a small "cradle to grave" town, we've known our landscapers, carpenters, plumbers and such since their childhood...and their parents, grandparents, etc..........so when an "odd one" comes along, people know better than to open their doors.

We just had one last winter........looked like Charles Manson.
Came to the door wanting to shovel our driveway during a major snowstorm. My husband did open the door and explained he had his own snowblower, etc. plus our neighbor across the way had offered to plow us out..........

Charles Manson said, "But I can shovel and not hurt that big boat in the driveway" .......which is now long gone. He was very creepy, to say the least.

It is sad that we can't trust unknown people anymore.........but nowadays with all the drug use and need for cash to buy those drugs........I wouldn't open the door either.

[SisalPhil]

Grab you phone, take a picture of them. If they have a vehicle try to get a photo with their license plate. Give the information to your local law enforcement agency.

[gomoho]

I said it before and I'll say it again - glad I have two large, barking, pooping machines and if that fails a loaded gun in my possession.

[asianthree]

what time of the morning was this 7:30 am i am thinking our guy comes very early in the summer...but have never noticed him going door to door...

[NotGolfer]

Not to say this guy was in the wrong or not...BUT in our neighborhood tree-trimmers come to a couple of our neighbors. The trimmers have been known to knock on our doors saying they're in the neighborhood so can they trim our trees too. We've done it one time. Folks have the option to tell them "no!" Can't say though they've knocked at 7:30......

[buggyone]

My husband and I both still work in TV. Yesterday, at 7:30am someone was ringing our doorbell repeatedly and pounding on the front door. Now, there were no cars in the driveway and the house is dark....Anyway to make a long story short our son is staying with us for a bit and was woken up by all the noise. When he opened the door finally it was a man telling him he used to trim the trees and bushes at our house and was wondering if we wanted them trimmed. My son, who's over 6' looked down at the man and said "my dad does all the yard work and trimming here, and why would you keep banging on the door and ringing the bell 30 times or so when no one answered after the first minute? He left....I got to thinking that we should all be aware of this guy. I read on vcdd home page that there was a couple doing this and then gaining access to the house to rob it. I don't think they'll be knocking at my door anytime soon now that they know someone's home. Scary....

I really doubt this!

[manaboutown]

How about sitting on the couch until they break in, then hold them at gunpoint till the police arrive.
:BigApplause:
That would have been the way to handle it if your son had not been there.

[dillywho]

How about installing a peep hole in the door instead of just opening it to see who's there? I have the telescoping ones that allow you to see more that just right in front of it. I say ones because we also have a deadbolt lock and peep hole in the door going into the garage.

For anyone who is not aware, the Sheriff's Office will come to your home and do a free security assessment and suggest improvements. That's what we did.

[samhass]

Was his name Mario?:evil6:

[CassieInVa]

Wow...I do not want anyone banging on my door at 7:30 am.... especially if Im retired and dont have to be up, if I dont want to be. Sheesh

[Crowder]

To whom and where do I report solicitors to our homes?

[Villages PL]

My husband and I both still work in TV. Yesterday, at 7:30am someone was ringing our doorbell repeatedly and pounding on the front door. Now, there were no cars in the driveway and the house is dark....Anyway to make a long story short our son is staying with us for a bit and was woken up by all the noise. When he opened the door finally it was a man telling him he used to trim the trees and bushes at our house and was wondering if we wanted them trimmed. My son, who's over 6' looked down at the man and said "my dad does all the yard work and trimming here, and why would you keep banging on the door and ringing the bell 30 times or so when no one answered after the first minute? He left....I got to thinking that we should all be aware of this guy. I read on vcdd home page that there was a couple doing this and then gaining access to the house to rob it. I don't think they'll be knocking at my door anytime soon now that they know someone's home. Scary....

I had that happen to me one time before I moved to The Villages. It was about 3 am. There was lots of loud banging on the door. Instead of answering the door, I called the police. When the police came out they found a man sleeping in his car that was parked in my back yard. He was so drunk, he not only had the wrong house, but he thought he was in another nearby town.

I recommend calling the police if someone starts banging on the door late at night or early in the morning.

[graciegirl]

Lived here for six years and didn't have anyone who was creepy ringing our door.

We have had some people trying to sell us palms, and someone concerned for our souls and someone selling frozen fish and the Schwann man and some people selling lawn care.

We just did what our mama taught us to do and said. No Thank you, and that was that.

No big conspiracy.