Scam Artist in Neighborhood

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August 28, 2008

There was a recent report of a scam artist knocking on doors on Worth Street. (Junius Crime Alert August 20). This week he has been working Lowell Street. He is described as a white man, clean-cut, and in his mid 30s. He is driving a dark green or black Ford pick-up with the license number 73M YN3. His pattern is to knock on a door, claim to be a new neighbor or husband of so-and-so who lives at a particular address, and ask for money for an “emergency.” Do not give him any money but tell him you are calling the police.

He also followed one resident to a gas station where the attendant on duty recognized him as a habitual offender. The would-be-victims called the police but the police, unfortunately, did not arrive in time before the scam artist left.

Landscape Stones Stolen

Large landscape stones were stolen from a residence in the 700 block of Lowell the night of August 27. These stones were used for edging and had been part of the parkway landscape for years. The thieves dug them out of the ground and carted them away. If you have any information, please call 911.

Plants Stolen From Front Porch

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August 24, 2008

Tuesday night, April 19, or early Wednesday morning, six plants and two hanging baskets were stolen from a porch on Parkmont. Not all the plants were taken; a few were left behind. A motion detector was on that illuminated the thieves but, unfortunately, did not stop them. The police were called and a report was made.

Last summer East Dallas was hit hard by the plant thieves. This summer has been relatively quiet but the theft of so many plants from one location may mark a return to the earlier pattern. The plants that are stolen frequently end up in malls or flea markets were they are sold for a profit.

There is no one way to discourage the plant thieves. Tying hanging baskets to ceiling hooks with fishing wire sometimes is helpful. The thieves, trying to move quickly, can’t see the fishing wire clearly in the dark and it usually is too high for them to reach without a ladder. Hopefully the thieves will move on.

Attempt Made to Steal Car

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On Sunday night, June 29, in the 5600 block of Columbia, an attempt was made to steal a ’95 Mercury Grand Marquis. A large landscaping brick was used to smash the window, scattering glass throughout the car and the street curb area. The ignition was damaged but still was serviceable. There is currently no description of any suspect(s). If you have any addition information, please call 911.


Unidentified Man Soliciting Money

Friday morning, July 4, at 5:45 a.m,. in the 5600 block of Columbia, a black man of medium build, wearing a white baseball cap, shorts, and a sky blue short sleeved shirted, knocked on an elderly woman’s door. She left the chain latched and opened the door slightly, her small dog barking ferociously. The man said his name was Stephen, that he was a neighbor, that he had seen her light was on, and asked for a quick loan to buy three gallons of gas. He claimed he would return quickly and reimburse the money.

The woman said she had no cash and the man left and did not return.

This is a ploy that has been used before in the neighborhood. Please do not give them any money but tell the scam artist you are calling 911.