GUIDELINES:
-If you are not sure of someone’s identity, do NOT open your door and immediately call 911.
-Tell your neighbors and friends of these scams and make them aware of the above advise on NOT opening your door.
-Check this website for any future developments; this latest incident was at a home which was previously targeted last December, which means that previous locations and areas hit may be more vulnerable!
- The time of the month may be important; such as the beginning of the month when social security, pension, etc. checks are distributed and cashed. Watch out when leaving banks, credit unions, etc. for anything suspicious. Drive to a well lit area or store where someone can call police if necessary!

 

The latest scam incident in Hammond: Update

March 26,2008

There have been five incidents in Hammond since March 3, 2008 involving possible confidence scams. The Hammond Police Department have at least 25 actual or attempted scams reported since December 5, 2007. Any new updates will be posted on www.hammondpolice.com.

On March 14 a white male adult with gray hair and full beard knocked on a residence door in the 4100 Block of Sheffield Avenue and said he was with NIPSCO. The subject said he needed to check the furnace inside the home. The homeowner did not let the subject in and called NIPSCO. NIPSCO told him there was no NIPSCO workers in that area. The homeowner went outside and saw the subject leave in a late 1990’s Ford work van white in color with a ladder rack on top. The van was described as having some type of NIPSCO sticker on it with the letters ESP below it.

On March 19 an 82 year old resident in the 4300 Block of Henry Street said two male white persons came to her door and said they were with the Water Department. One of the subjects said he was going to turn off the water in the alley for the whole block. One of the subjects at the door said if the resident would let him into her house that he would give her a $20 rebate for turning off her water. The homeowner allowed the person into her home and they went into the kitchen. Another subject then entered the home and said something to the first person entering. The two then ran out of the house and drove away in a vehicle described as a newer black vehicle with possible Illinois license plates. Both persons were described as wearing CARHARDT type work jackets. No items were reported taken.

Also on March 19th a resident in the 1800 Block of 169th Street reported that a white male and a black male came to her door. The resident opened it and both subjects forced their way in. While inside, the subjects went through dresser drawers in her bedroom. The subjects then left the home and the homeowner locked the doors. The subjects left in a vehicle described as four door white in color newer model. No items were reported taken.

On March 24 an 85 year old resident in the 1700 Block of 171st Place reported that a heavy build Hispanic male came to her door, said he was with the Water Department, and needed to check her water. The homeowner let him in and he said he wanted a drink of water. While in the kitchen, the subject said he needed to receive $70.00. While this was occurring, a second subject described as Hispanic came into the home and the homeowner asked what he wanted. Both subjects then fled the home and left in a vehicle described as a four door big silver car. No items were reported taken.

On March 26, 2008 an 89 year old resident in the 1600 Block of Parkview Avenue in the Robertsdale section of Hammond reported that she had left her front door open because her doctor was on his way to see her. Two men described as Hispanic first knocked on the door and then entered the home. One of the subjects said that they were there to do work on her sidewalk.
The same subject then pushed her in her wheelchair towards a window and started talking about the kind of work they were going to perform. Another subject then went into the resident’s bedroom and took a small safe and an envelope with U.S. currency inside of it. The subjects then left the home and it is unknown if a vehicle was used in the getaway.

On March 3, 2008 at about 11:50 AM a 77 year old female resident in the 1300 Block of Lake Avenue was the latest victim of a scam artist. A man described as Hispanic wearing an orange work vest and helmet came to the front door and announced he was a utility worker. Upon the resident refusing him entry into the home, the man pushed his way in and took the resident’s purse. The man fled the home and entered a grey colored van where another passenger was waiting. The two then left the area towards Calumet Avenue from Railroad Avenue.

 

Press Release from the Hammond Police Department February 20, 2008

A recent string of attempted and actual residential entries and thefts have occurred in the City of Hammond since December 5th, 2007. The latest incident occurred February 18, 2008 at about 12:05 PM in which a man described as Hispanic looking, black hair, brown eyes, 5’11” tall, medium to heavy build, went to a home in the 4400 Block of Pine Street and asked about a vehicle which was for sale parked on the street. The man then left the area in a silver colored newer station wagon type vehicle. The description of this man matches several other recent cases in which men posing as utility workers gain entry to someone’s residence by giving a reason to work on the home and then other persons enter and take money, etc. from (in several cases) the bedroom area. Residents are asked to call police immediately either by 911 or a non-emergency number any time a suspicious person knocks on their door. Most persons targeted by the suspects are senior citizens. Please check on your elderly neighbors frequently and inform those persons who may not know of these incidents to be on guard for such cases. Several thousand dollars have been taken so far from unsuspecting residents.

Anyone with information about these cases is asked to call Detective Michael Daniels at 219-852-2961 or Detective Steve Guernsey at 219-852-2978.