[jnieman]

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.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by jnieman

https://thevillageofhadley.nextdoor....?post=16153316


This info was copied from the website Nextdoor: Join the free private social network for your neighborhood which is a website to meet your neighbors and for postings that concern your neighborhoods or areas around us. It's about a group of gypsies who travel around burglarizing neighborhoods. Info is from the Sumter County Sherrif's office.

Could you please be more specific as regards to be alert about? I went to the site you first listed, but it wants one to sign up in order to access (which I won't), and it appears to be about Hadley.

[gerryann]

I received a post card from a neighbor yesterday with instructions on how to sign up. I did. Wondering now if I should delete? I can't open the link you provided because it takes me to my village. What did it say?

[jnieman]

Sorry, here's the info. I guess you do need to sign up to see it.


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.

[CFrance]

Thank you, jnieman.

[graciegirl]

I was just saying that to Sweetie and Helene. It's about time again to start hearing about break ins..........For heavens sake everyone, if it doesn't look right or arouses your suspicions call law enforcement.

[jnieman]

It's disheartening to hear that we have to deal with break-ins but if we are all aware what to look out for. The article said the burglars are senior citizens who will blend in with us.

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I was just saying that to Sweetie and Helene. It's about time again to start hearing about break ins..........For heavens sake everyone, if it doesn't look right or arouses your suspicions call law enforcement.

And I was just thinking, time to buy a Rottweiler

[Sable99]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I was just saying that to Sweetie and Helene. It's about time again to start hearing about break ins..........For heavens sake everyone, if it doesn't look right or arouses your suspicions call law enforcement.

Mom and I said the same thing! "Its been a little quiet but, they'll be back soon!"

[golfing eagles]

Riddle of the day---

What's black and brown and looks great on gypsy burglars?




A doberman

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by jnieman

It's disheartening to hear that we have to deal with break-ins but if we are all aware what to look out for. The article said the burglars are senior citizens who will blend in with us.

I would automatically assume that senior citizens who are wandering around are lost or confused. I would never suspect them for being part of a burglary ring. Very interesting article, thanks for posting.

[dbussone]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

I would automatically assume that senior citizens who are wandering around are lost or confused. I would never suspect them for being part of a burglary ring. Very interesting article, thanks for posting.

My wife assumed as you do. As a result she has rescued 2 lost memory challenged seniors she saw wandering in our neighborhood - one was extremely overheated and dehydrated.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by dbussone

My wife assumed as you do. As a result she has rescued 2 lost memory challenged seniors she saw wandering in our neighborhood - one was extremely overheated and dehydrated.

Bless her heart. I would certainly assume seniors are innocently confused and belong in a neighborhood unless they give a reason to think otherwise.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I always try to be a lert. We need more lerts in this country.

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr

I always try to be a lert. We need more lerts in this country.

Oh, no, that's been my problem. I've been lertless