Tourist season brings some uninvited guests

During February the Lee County Sheriff's Office received a report of an unknown female that entered a home while the owner was napping. When the home owner awoke, she confronted the intruder who stated, "I thought this was my friend's house." Naples authorities received a report of an unknown female that did the same thing, but stated, "I'm looking for my dog."

Each winter season, Lee County has an influx of residents and visitors. Some of these visitors come to our area looking to burglarize unsuspecting residents. Statistics show anyone can be a victim of this type of crime.

Like the above incidents, some of these criminals may act as if they entered your home by accident. They give excuses like: "I was trying to find my dog" or "I thought this was my friend's house." Others may pose as contractors offering home improvement services. In these instances they usually perform substandard work and require payment in advance.

If you see a suspicious person and/or vehicle contact the Lee County Sheriff's Office at 477-1000.

CASE, Communities Against Senior Exploitation, is a Partnership of the Lee County Sheriff's Office and the community to prevent elder financial exploitation.

Prevention Tips:

>>Keep your doors locked at all times - including when you are home.

>>Don't open your door unless you know the person on the other side. Use a peep hole or window if possible.

>>If a person is going door-to-door offering home improvement services, get their business card and call them back to schedule an appointment after you have verified they are a licensed contractor.

>>Never give money to an individual offering service door-to-door.

>>If you have encountered a similar incident contact Community Relations to speak to one of the Crime Prevention Specialist at (239) 477-1477.