Re: [Chat] Suspicious activity
Great job Steve! I've always heard that if something just doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Thanks for the heads up! Greg Alexander Freelance Writer/Editor Editor, Mason-Dixon Arrive 2629 Guilford Avenue Baltimore, MD 21218 410-243-3387 ugagra...@yahoo.com www.gregoryjalexander.com --- On Wed, 4/20/11, Stephen J Gewirtz gewi...@bellatlantic.net wrote: From: Stephen J Gewirtz gewi...@bellatlantic.net Subject: [Chat] Suspicious activity To: Charles Village Discussion List discuss...@charlesvillage.info, The Charles Village Chat List chat@charlesvillage.info, cvcbdqu...@yahoogroups.com Cc: David Hill davidh...@charlesvillage.org, northerncommunitycoun...@yahoogroups.com, Stokes, Carl carl.sto...@baltimorecity.gov, marypat.cla...@baltimorecity.gov Date: Wednesday, April 20, 2011, 12:02 AM A little before 6 p.m. this evening, my doorbell rang. I opened the inner door but not the outer security door which can only be opened with a key. On my porch were a couple, a black male and a white female, college age or more likely a little bit older. They said that they had the wrong person. A few minutes later, I opened the inner door again. The couple were still there, and the man asked me to open the outer security door. I refused. He then tried to sell me on saving money by switching to a guaranteed fixed electric rate instead of paying BGE. I told him that I was not interested, even though he persisted until I ended the conversation. He was carrying a notebook. The woman basically was silent. Something did not add up. How can they have the wrong person and then try to sell me something? And why were they still there? Anyway, I reported it to 911, to a JHU cop who was parked across the street a few minutes later, and to Northern District police who came moments later in response to my 911 call. They said that they would be looking for the couple. I do not know whether, if I had opened my security door, the couple would have rushed in to grab something in my house or worse. I have seen a report that in a nearby neighborhood, people have rung doorbells and asked for someone who does not exist on that block. When they have found a house where nobody is home, they have broken in. I write all this to urge that everyone be very careful about opening a door to a stranger. And if things really do not add up but look suspicious, call 911. What I encountered this evening may be legitimate, but my guess is that it is not. And if it is part of a knock, run in and grab something, and run scheme or some other scheme, the police will definitely appreciate your giving them a heads up on what is happening. After all, the cops cannot be everywhere, so we have to be additional eyes and ears for them. Northern District does an excellent job, but we need to give them all the help we can. Steve ___ Chat mailing list Chat@charlesvillage.info http://charlesvillage.info/mailman/listinfo/chat_charlesvillage.info archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/chat@charlesvillage.info/ ___ Chat mailing list Chat@charlesvillage.info http://charlesvillage.info/mailman/listinfo/chat_charlesvillage.info archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/chat@charlesvillage.info/
Re: [Chat] Suspicious activity
The Charles Villager is only published 5 times a year, however there are email distribution lists that can be utilized to get the message out in a more timely manner. John From: dwilliamsjh...@hotmail.com To: chat@charlesvillage.info Date: Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:02:34 + Subject: Re: [Chat] Suspicious activity This worries me...I hope that maybe someone will include a blurb about this in the newsletters that go out to the Charles Village and Abel communities. Date: Wed, 20 Apr 2011 06:45:27 -0700 From: ugagra...@yahoo.com To: discuss...@charlesvillage.info; chat@charlesvillage.info; cvcbdqu...@yahoogroups.com CC: davidh...@charlesvillage.org; northerncommunitycoun...@yahoogroups.com; marypat.cla...@baltimorecity.gov; carl.sto...@baltimorecity.gov Subject: Re: [Chat] Suspicious activity Great job Steve! I've always heard that if something just doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Thanks for the heads up! Greg Alexander Freelance Writer/Editor Editor, Mason-Dixon Arrive 2629 Guilford Avenue Baltimore, MD 21218 410-243-3387 ugagra...@yahoo.com www.gregoryjalexander.com --- On Wed, 4/20/11, Stephen J Gewirtz gewi...@bellatlantic.net wrote: From: Stephen J Gewirtz gewi...@bellatlantic.net Subject: [Chat] Suspicious activity To: Charles Village Discussion List discuss...@charlesvillage.info, The Charles Village Chat List chat@charlesvillage.info, cvcbdqu...@yahoogroups.com Cc: David Hill davidh...@charlesvillage.org, northerncommunitycoun...@yahoogroups.com, Stokes, Carl carl.sto...@baltimorecity.gov, marypat.cla...@baltimorecity.gov Date: Wednesday, April 20, 2011, 12:02 AM A little before 6 p.m. this evening, my doorbell rang. I opened the inner door but not the outer security door which can only be opened with a key. On my porch were a couple, a black male and a white female, college age or more likely a little bit older. They said that they had the wrong person. A few minutes later, I opened the inner door again. The couple were still there, and the man asked me to open the outer security door. I refused. He then tried to sell me on saving money by switching to a guaranteed fixed electric rate instead of paying BGE. I told him that I was not interested, even though he persisted until I ended the conversation. He was carrying a notebook. The woman basically was silent. Something did not add up. How can they have the wrong person and then try to sell me something? And why were they still there? Anyway, I reported it to 911, to a JHU cop who was parked across the street a few minutes later, and to Northern District police who came moments later in response to my 911 call. They said that they would be looking for the couple. I do not know whether, if I had opened my security door, the couple would have rushed in to grab something in my house or worse. I have seen a report that in a nearby neighborhood, people have rung doorbells and asked for someone who does not exist on that block. When they have found a house where nobody is home, they have broken in. I write all this to urge that everyone be very careful about opening a door to a stranger. And if things really do not add up but look suspicious, call 911. What I encountered this evening may be legitimate, but my guess is that it is not. And if it is part of a knock, run in and grab something, and run scheme or some other scheme, the police will definitely appreciate your giving them a heads up on what is happening. After all, the cops cannot be everywhere, so we have to be additional eyes and ears for them. Northern District does an excellent job, but we need to give them all the help we can. Steve ___ Chat mailing list Chat@charlesvillage.info http://charlesvillage.info/mailman/listinfo/chat_charlesvillage.info archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/chat@charlesvillage.info/ ___ Chat mailing list Chat@charlesvillage.info http://charlesvillage.info/mailman/listinfo/chat_charlesvillage.info archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/chat@charlesvillage.info/ ___ Chat mailing list Chat@charlesvillage.info http://charlesvillage.info/mailman/listinfo/chat_charlesvillage.info archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/chat@charlesvillage.info/ ___ Chat mailing list Chat@charlesvillage.info http://charlesvillage.info/mailman/listinfo/chat_charlesvillage.info archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/chat@charlesvillage.info/
Re: [Chat] Suspicious activity
Judy, These folk did ask to see my BGE bill. I remember the situation about a year ago, and someone came to my door then. What made me really suspicious this time was the accompanying behavior (ringing my bell, saying they had the wrong person, then still being there a few minutes later when I decided to take another look, and only then trying to sell me on changing electric companies). This made me suspect that they were mimicking the earlier door to door solicitations as a way to try to get me to open my security door. By the way, this incident made me extremely glad to have a security door. It functions as a storm / screen door, but it provides a barrier when I want to answer the door without being vulnerable to an intended home invasion. Such doors are not cheap, but they are well worth the money. Steve On 4/20/2011 11:41 AM, jberlin wrote: about a yr ago the same situation was happening except it was the BGE. the solicitor wanted to see people's ge bills, offering cheaper services elsewhere. Northern district came out. Surprisingly it was legit. A couple times it would be a black guy talking and a white gal on the sidewalk. I don't know what company initiated all this. due to various security issues it certainly wasn't good judgment on someone's part. That in turn tells me the company is not one to deal with. No one should be going door to door . For the safety of both parties. Judy On 04/20/2011 10:13 AM, John Spurrier wrote: The Charles Villager is only published 5 times a year, however there are email distribution lists that can be utilized to get the message out in a more timely manner. John From: dwilliamsjh...@hotmail.com To: chat@charlesvillage.info Date: Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:02:34 + Subject: Re: [Chat] Suspicious activity This worries me...I hope that maybe someone will include a blurb about this in the newsletters that go out to the Charles Village and Abel communities. Date: Wed, 20 Apr 2011 06:45:27 -0700 From: ugagra...@yahoo.com To: discuss...@charlesvillage.info; chat@charlesvillage.info; cvcbdqu...@yahoogroups.com CC: davidh...@charlesvillage.org; northerncommunitycoun...@yahoogroups.com; marypat.cla...@baltimorecity.gov; carl.sto...@baltimorecity.gov Subject: Re: [Chat] Suspicious activity Great job Steve! I've always heard that if something just doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Thanks for the heads up! Greg Alexander Freelance Writer/Editor Editor, Mason-Dixon Arrive 2629 Guilford Avenue Baltimore, MD 21218 410-243-3387 ugagra...@yahoo.com www.gregoryjalexander.com --- On Wed, 4/20/11, Stephen J Gewirtz gewi...@bellatlantic.net wrote: From: Stephen J Gewirtz gewi...@bellatlantic.net Subject: [Chat] Suspicious activity To: Charles Village Discussion List discuss...@charlesvillage.info, The Charles Village Chat List chat@charlesvillage.info, cvcbdqu...@yahoogroups.com Cc: David Hill davidh...@charlesvillage.org, northerncommunitycoun...@yahoogroups.com, Stokes, Carl carl.sto...@baltimorecity.gov, marypat.cla...@baltimorecity.gov Date: Wednesday, April 20, 2011, 12:02 AM A little before 6 p.m. this evening, my doorbell rang. I opened the inner door but not the outer security door which can only be opened with a key. On my porch were a couple, a black male and a white female, college age or more likely a little bit older. They said that they had the wrong person. A few minutes later, I opened the inner door again. The couple were still there, and the man asked me to open the outer security door. I refused. He then tried to sell me on saving money by switching to a guaranteed fixed electric rate instead of paying BGE. I told him that I was not interested, even though he persisted until I ended the conversation. He was carrying a notebook. The woman basically was silent. Something did not add up. How can they have the wrong person and then try to sell me something? And why were they still there? Anyway, I reported it to 911, to a JHU cop who was parked across the street a few minutes later, and to Northern District police who came moments later in response to my 911 call. They said that they would be looking for the couple. I do not know whether, if I had opened my security door, the couple would have rushed in to grab something in my house or worse. I have seen a report that in a nearby neighborhood, people have rung doorbells and asked for someone who does not exist on that block. When they have found a house where nobody is home, they have broken in. I write all this to urge that everyone be very careful about opening a door to a stranger. And if things really do not add up but look suspicious, call 911. What I encountered this evening may be legitimate, but my guess is that it is not. And if it is part of a knock, run in and grab
Re: [Chat] Suspicious activity
From the BGE website: BGE cautions customers to be mindful of individuals who try to gain access to their homes by posing as utility workers. Utility imposters may carry official looking credentials and often work in pairs. BGE recommends customers take the following steps to ensure their safety against imposters: Do not open your door to someone you don't recognize – ask for a photo ID through the door / window. All BGE employees and contractors carry company ID badges displaying their name, photograph and identification number. To verify a BGE employee's identity or work being done at your home, call us at 410-685-0123 or 1-800-685-0123. Operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Report suspicious activity to the police. Customers who encounter suspected utility imposters are urged to immediately notify the police. Stephen J Gewirtz gewi...@bellatlantic.net 4/20/2011 12:01 PM Judy, These folk did ask to see my BGE bill. I remember the situation about a year ago, and someone came to my door then. What made me really suspicious this time was the accompanying behavior (ringing my bell, saying they had the wrong person, then still being there a few minutes later when I decided to take another look, and only then trying to sell me on changing electric companies). This made me suspect that they were mimicking the earlier door to door solicitations as a way to try to get me to open my security door. By the way, this incident made me extremely glad to have a security door. It functions as a storm / screen door, but it provides a barrier when I want to answer the door without being vulnerable to an intended home invasion. Such doors are not cheap, but they are well worth the money. Steve On 4/20/2011 11:41 AM, jberlin wrote: about a yr ago the same situation was happening except it was the BGE. the solicitor wanted to see people's ge bills, offering cheaper services elsewhere. Northern district came out. Surprisingly it was legit. A couple times it would be a black guy talking and a white gal on the sidewalk. I don't know what company initiated all this. due to various security issues it certainly wasn't good judgment on someone's part. That in turn tells me the company is not one to deal with. No one should be going door to door . For the safety of both parties. Judy On 04/20/2011 10:13 AM, John Spurrier wrote: The Charles Villager is only published 5 times a year, however there are email distribution lists that can be utilized to get the message out in a more timely manner. John From: dwilliamsjh...@hotmail.com To: chat@charlesvillage.info Date: Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:02:34 + Subject: Re: [Chat] Suspicious activity This worries me...I hope that maybe someone will include a blurb about this in the newsletters that go out to the Charles Village and Abel communities. Date: Wed, 20 Apr 2011 06:45:27 -0700 From: ugagra...@yahoo.com To: discuss...@charlesvillage.info; chat@charlesvillage.info; cvcbdqu...@yahoogroups.com CC: davidh...@charlesvillage.org; northerncommunitycoun...@yahoogroups.com; marypat.cla...@baltimorecity.gov; carl.sto...@baltimorecity.gov Subject: Re: [Chat] Suspicious activity Great job Steve! I've always heard that if something just doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Thanks for the heads up! Greg Alexander Freelance Writer/Editor Editor, Mason-Dixon Arrive 2629 Guilford Avenue Baltimore, MD 21218 410-243-3387 ugagra...@yahoo.com www.gregoryjalexander.com --- On Wed, 4/20/11, Stephen J Gewirtz gewi...@bellatlantic.net wrote: From: Stephen J Gewirtz gewi...@bellatlantic.net Subject: [Chat] Suspicious activity To: Charles Village Discussion List discuss...@charlesvillage.info, The Charles Village Chat List chat@charlesvillage.info, cvcbdqu...@yahoogroups.com Cc: David Hill davidh...@charlesvillage.org, northerncommunitycoun...@yahoogroups.com, Stokes, Carl carl.sto...@baltimorecity.gov, marypat.cla...@baltimorecity.gov Date: Wednesday, April 20, 2011, 12:02 AM A little before 6 p.m. this evening, my doorbell rang. I opened the inner door but not the outer security door which can only be opened with a key. On my porch were a couple, a black male and a white female, college age or more likely a little bit older. They said that they had the wrong person. A few minutes later, I opened the inner door again. The couple were still there, and the man asked me to open the outer security door. I refused. He then tried to sell me on saving money by switching to a guaranteed fixed electric rate instead of paying BGE. I told him that I was not interested, even though he persisted until I ended the conversation. He was carrying a notebook. The woman basically was silent. Something did not add up. How can
[Chat] Suspicious activity
A little before 6 p.m. this evening, my doorbell rang. I opened the inner door but not the outer security door which can only be opened with a key. On my porch were a couple, a black male and a white female, college age or more likely a little bit older. They said that they had the wrong person. A few minutes later, I opened the inner door again. The couple were still there, and the man asked me to open the outer security door. I refused. He then tried to sell me on saving money by switching to a guaranteed fixed electric rate instead of paying BGE. I told him that I was not interested, even though he persisted until I ended the conversation. He was carrying a notebook. The woman basically was silent. Something did not add up. How can they have the wrong person and then try to sell me something? And why were they still there? Anyway, I reported it to 911, to a JHU cop who was parked across the street a few minutes later, and to Northern District police who came moments later in response to my 911 call. They said that they would be looking for the couple. I do not know whether, if I had opened my security door, the couple would have rushed in to grab something in my house or worse. I have seen a report that in a nearby neighborhood, people have rung doorbells and asked for someone who does not exist on that block. When they have found a house where nobody is home, they have broken in. I write all this to urge that everyone be very careful about opening a door to a stranger. And if things really do not add up but look suspicious, call 911. What I encountered this evening may be legitimate, but my guess is that it is not. And if it is part of a knock, run in and grab something, and run scheme or some other scheme, the police will definitely appreciate your giving them a heads up on what is happening. After all, the cops cannot be everywhere, so we have to be additional eyes and ears for them. Northern District does an excellent job, but we need to give them all the help we can. Steve ___ Chat mailing list Chat@charlesvillage.info http://charlesvillage.info/mailman/listinfo/chat_charlesvillage.info archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/chat@charlesvillage.info/
[Chat] suspicious activity
on my way home from work, 8/19/08, 11:40PM, I noticed 2 kids riding bikes up and down the 3000 blk 3100 blk of Abell av. they were ar'd maybe 12-13 y.o. to say they looked suspicious is an understatement. i rode ar'd watching them. at one point i saw one of the kids in the 3100blk abell checking out a motor bike, something must have caused them to ride off. they stayed in the vicinity until they figured out that i was watching them. at 11:40 pm i called the police. told 911 what i saw. didn't say it was in progress. instead i said they are trying to steal a motor bike. i don't know about anyone else but that sounds similar to 'in progress'. they finally left the neighborhood when they realized i was still following them. finally at 12mn i went home without having seen any police in any way shape or form. sorry folks, i tried. hope no one in those 2 blocks are missing anything. judy ___ Chat mailing list Chat@charlesvillage.info http://charlesvillage.info/mailman/listinfo/chat_charlesvillage.info archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/chat@charlesvillage.info/
