The Charles County Sheriff’s Office is issuing an alert regarding behavior many community members feel is suspicious. Recently, homeowners have contacted the Sheriff’s Office to report strangers at their homes asking for money. In each and every case, the Sheriff’s Office responded to the house to investigate.

In some situations, the person at the door implied they needed money due to “unfortunate circumstances.” For example, the person said they lost their job and needed money for food or shelter. But further investigation revealed the person was a known drug user and probably asked for money to support their addiction.

In other instances, the person at the door told the homeowner that they were looking to earn extra money and offered to do small jobs such as seal coating driveways.  In those cases, the work performed by the person was shoddy and the products substandard. No matter the situation, the Sheriff’s Office is reminding people to report suspicious activity immediately or call for an officer to investigate if there are concerns about the validity of someone on your property asking for money. 

Before answering a knock at the door, residents should take a few precautions: Are you expecting anyone? Take a look outside to see who is at your door. Do you know the person? Make a mental note of the person’s description including physical appearance and clothing. If you are uncomfortable, do not open the door. Simply ask the person to leave. If you decide to speak with the person, make sure you establish why they are there. Note any cars in the area and try to obtain a description. More often than not, people are at your door for legitimate reasons. However, there are times when they may be at your house to “case” the property and later return to commit a theft or break-in.

Reporting suspicious activity immediately to the Sheriff’s Office can help ease a homeowner’s mind or thwart criminal conduct. The important message is to call as the activity is occurring. For more information about crime prevention, visit the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Web site at www.ccso.us.

Charles County Crime Solvers offers rewards of up to $1,000 for information about a crime in Charles County that leads to an arrest or indictment. Anyone with information about a crime may contact Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS. All callers remain anonymous.