Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, March 9, 1993 TAG: 9303090034
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RON BROWN and CHARLYNE H. McWILLIAMS STAFF WRITERS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
THIEF TARGETS REAL ESTATE OPEN HOUSES
A man masquerading as a prospective home buyer stole property from at least four Southwest Roanoke County houses last week, county police confirmed Monday.Roanoke County Police Detective Chris Nielsen said the thefts took place between Feb. 28 and March 2.
Neilsen said the man entered the homes during open houses put on by real estate agents. He then stole jewelry and other small items.
At least three real estate agents were contacted by the man. Police notified agents to be on the lookout by placing a description of the man on a computer network used by real estate agents.
"We are in the process of compiling a list of people that this man could have visited," Nielsen said. "Right now, we hope that someone has written down his tag number."
Police learned of the thefts after a county resident reported items missing from her home shortly after the man had looked at it.
The man said he worked several jobs, including pharmaceuticals, heavy-equipment sales and furniture building.
Police described him as white man in his late 40s with medium-length brown hair that is receding on top. He also has a heavy build.
Nielsen said authorities think the man already has left the Roanoke area. Police have received reports of a similar scam in the Washington metropolitan area.
Anne Lee Stevens, president of the Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors, said most agencies take measures to thwart criminals, but they don't always work.
"There are certain times that you can't take every precaution with every person, particularly in open houses," she said. "There are always going to be people who can get around you no matter what you do."
Anyone with information can contact Nielsen at 703-561-8102.