The Benton Police Department reminds citizens and business owners to beware of scams, and report any suspicious activities. Beware of giving any banking information, including credit card numbers and check numbers, over the phone or over internet without checking the security level of the business.
Some scams may involve people arriving at your home. Several residents have reported a man driving a white truck stopping at their home concerning roof repairs. On Friday, Dec. 18 a homeowner on Edgehill reported that a man in a white single cab truck stopped and approached in the yard informing her that he previously worked on the roof. The man then asked to use the restroom in the home while another person in the vehicle was believed to have gone on top of the roof. The man inside the home later told the homeowner that she owed him $900 for roof repairs.
On Saturday, Dec. 26, a homeowner on W. Cross St. said a man driving a white truck stopped and claimed to have worked on the roof five years prior. The man reportedly said he needed to check the roof for repairs and attach a new piece, free of charge. However, an hour later the man came down from the roof and told the homeowner that she owed $400 for parts installed on the roof.
Also on Saturday, Dec. 26, a homeowner on North St. said a man claimed to have worked with a contractor that worked on her roof and that he was there to inspect the work. The man later told the homeowner that he needed cash for a down payment to make roof repairs.
Beware of strangers trying to influence you to let them onto your property and/or into your home. Remember that officers can check if someone attempting to conduct business has a business permit filed with the city clerk’s office.
Report suspicious activity, no matter how small, to the BNPD by calling 501-776-5948 or 501-315-TIPS. Individuals also may send us anonymous information to CRIMES (274637) with the keyword BNPD in the body of the text or go to www.crimereports.com to leave a tip. A crime tip can also be submitted via the official Benton Police Department app found on iTunes and Google Play.