The Summit Police Department would like to continue to caution our residents about potential ruse type crimes. As we mentioned previously, the start of the spring season also brings attempts by dishonest persons to take advantage of others. In the previous posting, which can be viewed here on our website we explain how some offenders attempt to gain your confidence and distract you to gain entry into a home for the purpose of committing a burglary. We also discussed persons posing as contractors offering good deals on home repairs that are later discovered to be fraudulent and designed to scam hard working people out of money. Many times, by completing substandard work and charging very high prices and leaving people victimized. 

We have been monitoring activity in the general area and have learned that there has been a couple of attempts to commit similar crimes on the road. No such activity has been reported in the Village, but it is worth passing along the information to our residents. Providing you with the information will hopefully keep you advised and prepared should you are faced with suspicious activity. 

The activity that we are describing involves people attempting to pull an unsuspecting driver over and at times blocking them from driving off. They then approach the driver stating that they can fix damage that is noted on the victim's vehicle, and they would be able to do it much cheaper than an established repair shop. They then charge an over inflated price and demand payment. This ruse is also used to follow the victim to their homes and an attempt to commit a burglary at the residence is followed. We ask our residents if you are faced with any such activity that you call 911 and a police officer will be sent to your area for assistance. Remember to exercise good judgement and not feel like you are forced to hand over money to someone who is pressuring you. Do not offer to get them money by taking them to the bank with you and especially do not drive to your home. 

This is informational only at this time and no attempts have been reported in Summit. It is just prudent on our part to help our residents remain informed.