Roanoke Police warn seniors of men acting suspiciously

Roanoke City Police News Release
Published: October 1, 2008

Read the news release below

The Roanoke Police Department is warning the public and investigating two incidents in which two men entered the homes of two elderly women.  Both incidents occurred on September 30, 2008 in the Round Hill Neighborhood.  The first incident occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m.
The victim stated that two males entered her home without knocking, and began talking to her about selling tile and asking about the medications she took.  Both men left after the victim walked outside and acted as if she was going to talk to a neighbor.

The second incident, which was reported on October 1, occurred on September 30 at approximately 4:20 p.m.  In that incident the victim stated that one male knocked on her door.  When she answered he started talking to her and entered her home without being invited in.  While he was in the home he talked to the homeowner about his plans to open an antique store and about replacing the carpet in her home.  A second male entered the home during the conversation.  Both males left the home at the homeowner’s request.
The homeowner noticed on October 1 that a bottle of medication was missing.

No one was hurt in either incident.  The males have not been located by police.  They were traveling in a dark pickup truck.  The first male, who spoke the most is described as a white male, approximately 35-40 years old, approximately six feet tall, weighing approximately 200 pounds, with short brown hair.  In the second incident he was described as wearing khaki pants, a yellow polo shirt, and a white cap.  The second male is described as a white male, approximately 25-30 years old, approximately five feet eight inches tall, weighing approximately 175 pounds, with black hair.  In the second incident he was described as wearing blue jeans, a blue t-shirt, and a white cap.

Residents are urged to keep their doors locked, not to let individuals in their homes who they don’t know, and call 911 if they see any suspicion activity.  Citizens should also check on their elderly neighbors if possible.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or other incidents should call the Roanoke Police Department at 853-5959 or Crime Line at 344-8500.

Crime Line may offer a monetary reward for any information leading to an arrest.