Southern Wayne Neighborhood Organization

Crime Watch Alert

Tree Trimming

The Indianapolis Police Department's West District would like to warn
citizens about two ongoing theft problems.

The first is a home improvement fraud involving tree trimming. The
suspects approach the victim and inquire about doing work on the
victim's property. Especially on trees that might be close to power
lines. The suspect will ask for money in advice. They may also ask for
money to rent equipment or repair equipment in order to finish the job.
The suspect will often write out a receipt and makes no attempt to hide
their identity.

If you wish to have tree work done seek an estimate from reputable
companies. You can get a list of companies by contacting the Better
Business Bureau at 488-2222. Reputable companies rarely ask for cash up
front or need money to rent equipment.

If you have been the victim of a crime such as this please report it to
the police.

The second crime concerns the theft of aluminum siding from homes.
These thefts are occurring at occupied homes as well as vacant homes.
If you have been the victim of a theft such as these please report it to
the police. We have a suspect that we are trying to connect to these
crimes so we are seeking out victims.

If you have any questions or comments please contact;

Scott Pass
Crime Watch Coordinator
West District
327-6465


Scott Pass
CrimeWatch Coordinator
IPD West District
317.327.6465

Con Games

Crime Alert --Con Games--

Several times in the past I have received letters and e-mail from
people claim to have a large sum of money that they wished to transfer
to the U.S. Myself and other members of my office have recently
received these e-mails again. I have also gotten complaints from
community members about this scam.

The scam works like this: You receive at letter or e-mail from someone
clamming to have a large sum of money that they need to transfer to the
United States from a foreign county, usually Nigeria of South Africa.
The amount of money varies, 20mil to 100mil, and the money is usually
form a dead relative or family fortune. The writer sometimes claims
that they are political exiles and must escape the county soon.

The writer asks you to send them you bank account numbers. He or she
will transfer the money to you and you may keep a certain percent plus
your expenses. You will supposedly be contacted later to transfer the
remainder of the money to an account here in the states.

What really happens in you bank account is drained. Once the person
has your name, account number, bank routing number and other personal
information they take all the money out of your account. They can also
you this info to open another account in you name (then write bad
checks) get loans and credit card.

DO NOT GET INVOLVED IN THIS SCAM! DO NOT GIVE OUT YOU INFORMATION!

Scott Pass
CrimeWatch Coordinator
IPD West District
317.327.6465