Police warn: Be aware of scam solicitors canvassing the area

Lt. George Bradley is asking for the help of Daniel Island residents in identifying three suspicious males. The men have been soliciting residents for window washing services along Dalton Street. Subjects were seen wearing red polo shirts with “QVL” embroidered on the left chest and traveling in a white Lexus SUV with Pennsylvania license plates. They have stated to residents that they are in the area for 10 days. 

 

Team 5 is aware that the suspects are from an area of Pennsylvania known to send out individuals who canvass an area, stating they are there for work, then swindle homeowners or burglarize homes. Bradley said this type of scam isn’t new to the area and during the holiday season, the police department wants to ensure residents of Daniel Island are not potential targets. 

 

One of the solicitors asked a homeowner if they were traveling during the holidays or if they would be home. Team 5 believes the group is potentially casing properties to burglarize homes. Please call 843-743-7200 if you encounter these individuals. 

 

Team 5 is offering extra patrolling upon request. Notify them of your holiday travel plans by calling 843-849-0304 and they will add your address to their list of properties to monitor. 

 

Police Blotter

 

The following incidents were taken from the City of Charleston Police Department reports within Team 5, which covers Daniel Island, Clements Ferry Road, and parts of Cainhoy, Dec. 1-15.

 

Theft from a Motor Vehicle

 

On Dec. 1, a resident of Island Park Drive reported two firearms had been stolen from a Toyota pickup truck left unlocked. The theft occurred during the overnight hours. 

 

On the same day, another victim from Island Park Drive stated a Lexus had been entered by an unknown individual, but no valuables were taken. 

 

Vandalism

 

Team 5 received a complaint of repeated incidents of vandalism that occurred between Nov. 22-25. The vandalism included three different occasions of damage to a vehicle parked at Sawyer Circle. The victim reported the vandalism on Dec.7. 

 

Forgery

 

On Dec. 13, a business located on Coastal Drive was notified a check written and mailed to a company in New York had been cashed with another name on the “Pay to the order of” line. The check was written for over $10,000. The New York-based company stated that mail had been stolen from its mailbox. The case is pending. 

 

Collisions & Warnings

 

From Dec. 1-15 there were 11 collisions reported, six citations and three warnings issued.

Important holiday tips for homeowners from Team 5:

 

* Secure your residence before leaving town for the holidays.

 

* Have lights on timers.

 

* Give a trusted neighbor your contact information in the event that something happens. 

 

* Don’t post information on social media that shows you are away from your primary residence and don’t make comments about how long you will be away. 

 

* Lock vehicles and take all valuables out of your vehicles that will be left at the residence. 

 

* Unplug all Christmas decorations.