Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Thursday, June 4, 2015
(FISHERS) - Police have issued a crime alert after a string of burglaries in Indianapolis and Fishers.
The common thread in the crimes is the burglars posing as employees of a pest control company. They're going door-to-door, figuring out people's patterns and routines, then coming back for crime later.
Even in neighborhoods that ban solicitors, police say a pair of scammers is hard at work.
Investigators say the criminals are a man and a woman in their 20's or 30's. The woman has bleach blonde hair.
They're posing as pest control employees, with a much more sinister sales pitch.
"What we believe they are doing is they're casing the neighborhoods and then returning at a later time to commit thefts from vehicles, thefts from garages and burglaries," said Fishers Police Sgt. Tom Weger.
Police say they're targeting neighborhoods in Fishers and northern Marion County. The most recent neighborhood to get hit: Geist Overlook in Fishers.
Investigators say this particular pair has a unique way of marking their territory. They put beads on mailboxes of homes they think they shouldn't rob - homes they've noticed have dogs as pets.
"So that when they return at a later time they don't target those homes that have dogs," Sgt. Weger explained.
Police aren't sure exactly how many crimes have been committed, but they say there is a pattern. The thefts often target cars and homes with valuables in plain sight and doors left unsecured.
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Besides encouraging neighbors to lock up valuables, investigators also want them to know how to spot a legitimate salesperson. In Fishers, they have to have a license and wear a pink nametag, issued by the city.
No nametag? Police want you to call 911.
Investigators say the fake pest control couple may be driving a black SUV.
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