Observant neighbors may have stopped robbery

From Lakewood Community Service Officer Mike Miller: "Wednesday night about 5:30 some vigilant neighbors may have interrupted another burglary or possible home invasion robbery. At the door of last week's home invasion robbery In the 8800 block of Forest Road SW, neighbors spotted an unknown (but recognized from living in the neighborhood) black male, early 20's, hair in shoulder length ‘corn-row’ braids, wearing gray shirt knocking at the front door. The robbery victim answered the door, and the subject claimed to be lost, looking for a local apartment complex – which raises a red flag since he was knocking at a small private residential door. Subject left on foot down Forest towards the lake.

"Observant neighbor walked around corner to another neighbor’s house on Portland and frightened away a red Mitsubishi Eclipse which was parked in the driveway. Neither the car nor the driver belong at this particular house according to the homeowner. When neighbor asked driver if he could help with something, the driver said he was waiting for his “cuz”, then left. Typically when waiting on someone at a near-by house one would park in the street, not an unrelated and unknown residential driveway.

"Good neighbor then looked down Portland and noticed the door-knocker subject (who’d left on foot down Forest, away from Portland) was now joined by two other early 20’s black males. My feeling is that they were casing the house, planning a return trip since their successful home invasion robbery there last week. If the resident had not answered I feel certain the three would have broken in immediately.

"Several burglaries in the past year have followed this same MO: single 20’s black male knocks on the front door while two other 20’s black males circle around the back. If the resident answers, the front door guy claims to be lost or looking for a friend. If there’s no answer the front door guy boots the door and enters, or the two flankers enter via back doors or windows. There’s nearly always a car staged somewhere nearby to carry large items like big screen TVs.

"Please report ANY suspicious activity like the scenario above. If anyone knocks on your door and claims to be lost, wants to use your phone, your bathroom, a drink of water, whatever… lock your doors and call 9-1-1 immediately with a description of the person. If you see strangers in your neighbor’s back yard call 9-1-1 right away. Tell the dispatcher that you are reporting a suspicious unwanted person.

"Don’t hesitate! Your quick action may prevent a serious and dangerous crime."

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