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Police warn of phony salesmen

Warning issued about door-to-door sales people.


Date published: 3/15/2009

by donnie johnston

The Culpeper County Sheriff's Office is warning residents to be cautious if they encounter a group of men who authorities believe have been posing as door-to-door salesmen in several areas of Rappahannock County.

"They are young men and well-dressed," said Sgt. Vern Fox. "They say they want to demonstrate household products, and when the homeowner denies them entry, they try to force their way inside."

Rappahannock County Sheriff Connie Compton Smith said there may be as many as four men involved, and they are reportedly driving a gray Chevrolet Suburban utility vehicle.

She added that the men, who indicate they are college students involved in a project, have approached homes--seemingly at random--in the Woodville, Little Washington, Flint Hill and Amissville areas.

Reports indicate that the men have also been spotted in Louisa and Albemarle counties.

While no crimes have been committed in her county, Compton is warning law enforcement officers in neighboring jurisdictions about the suspicious activity.

The Culpeper Sheriff's Office is asking that anyone with information call 540/757-7520.

Donnie Johnston:
Email: djohnston@freelancestar.com



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Date published: 3/15/2009


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A Korean (posted by wideopenspace , Mar. 15, 2009 6:17 pm)   
tried to get into my parents house in Orange. She claimed to have lived right down the street and her house had been broken into so she needed to use the phone to call the police. Parents knew that no Koreans lived there and so they told her she could use the pay phone that she passed coming from the supposed direction of the house. Lady then asked what the number for 911 was and was dead serious. Lady then left and went the opposite direction.

Be more aware now than ever (posted by john1315 , Mar. 15, 2009 12:33 pm)   
With the economy in shambles, rising unemployment, people losing their homes etc.... people are becoming more and more desparate.

A county-issued ID with a photo (posted by Tamerlane , Mar. 15, 2009 11:28 am)   
is needed to do door-to-door solicitation in Spotsy. I ask for same, and if they do not have one I take their photo and get their tag number. If these scum don't like that, I may refer them to Mssrs C.F. Mossberg and Sig Sauer. The LAW should be enforcing these laws cause more scum and Irish Travellers are showing up all the time.

Good letter (posted by MacD , Mar. 15, 2009 8:22 am)   
I hope it is read by many people. Recently in our neighborhood a shabby looking man knocked on a neighbor's door saying his shabby pickup (with another shabby man) had broken down in front of this neighbor's house. Neighbor (senior citizen and in ailing health at the time) asked the man if he would like to use his phone. Man eagerly replied yes. Neighbor pulled out his cell phone and shabby man realized he was not getting inside (according to police) declined and left! Don't let strangers trick you!

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