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Fighting Back: Criminals Posing As Salesmen


Police say traveling salesman may be knocking on your door, trying to offer you an alarm system or air filtration device. But they investigators say they could be working together with others to rob you.

It's happening in two neighborhoods off of FM 1625 near the Hays/Travis County line, Chaparral Park and Leisurewoods.

Longtime resident Halley Ortiz says they've seen suspicious salesmen in their neighborhood, but this type of orchestrated criminal activity is a first. "I thought it was pretty smart, that's the thing, I think people are getting more and more cunning and creative with how to identify houses that are good targets."

It goes like this: someone leaves notices on your door. And if the notices aren't removed within a couple of days it tips crooks off that you're not home.

Residents say they keep in contact through their neighborhood email alert group and blog about when something suspicious is happening in their neighborhood.

By Angel Covarrubias