Be on the Lookout

Date: June 16, 2009

Travelers/Scam Artists

This is the time of year when the Sheriff's Office starts to receive numerous complaints about persons(s) going door-to-door peddling goods and services. Some of these person(s) operate legitimate businesses whereas others are looking for an easy target to steal money and other valuables.

The travelers are people who move from town-to-town going door-to-door trying to push their services on their intended victims. They offer services such as roof repair, paving, flooring, carpet installs, tree removal services, painting services, etc. Most of the time they work in groups of 2 or more. One of the individuals will distract the homeowner while the other looks around the house, claiming to get an estimate for the service they are offering. Instead, the 2nd party is taking cash and other valuable items from the house.

What can you do to protect yourself?

If you are approached by anyone at your residence offering services of any type, ask to see their county business permit. Also ask them for their identification, especially if they are not driving a marked company vehicle. Until you thoroughly check the company out, do not let anyone into your house.

Remember, it is your property and you can always ask them to leave. If they give you any problems, call 9-1-1.

Please report any suspicious activity to the Goochland County Sheriff's Office at (804) 556-5349 as soon as possible. If they are knocking on your door, they are probably knocking on someone elses as well. You may just hold the key to help us solve a crime.

In the News

Date: June 3, 2009

Goochland Bank Robber Arrested

Goochland Sheriff’s deputies and Henrico Police have arrested a 28 year old Henrico man for the May 27 robbery of the C & F Bank in Goochland County. Orienthal Gerard Harris has been charged with armed robbery of a bank and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

According to Sheriff James L. Agnew, Henrico investigators contacted his office yesterday, June 2, to report that a vehicle similar to the one used in the C & F robbery had been spotted in the vicinity of Lauderdale Road and Patterson Avenue yesterday.

Goochland deputies staked out the area this morning. Shortly before 9 am, Lieutenant James Mann spotted the vehicle, an older model dark green Buick, near Lauderdale Rd. He followed the vehicle to a residence at 1712 Havenwood in Henrico and notified Henrico Police. While Goochland and Henrico Officers kept surveillance on the property, Goochland investigators secured a search warrant and executed it with Henrico Police at 3 pm this afternoon.

Officers detained Harris and turned him over to Goochland deputies after they found him in the residence. Officers also found evidence linking Harris to the robbery. Goochland deputies are still searching for a second man wanted in the robbery.

Harris will appear tomorrow morning at 8:30 am in Goochland District Court for a bond hearing.

2009 Crime Stoppers Poster contest winner
Artwork by: David Bates

If you or someone you know has information regarding any crime in the Metro Richmond area please call the Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. You don't have to give your name and your information could be worth up to a $1000 cash reward.

The Goochland County Sheriff's Office is proud to participate in the neighborhood watch program. If you want to set up a neighborhood watch in your subdivision or neighborhood, contact the Sheriff's Office at (804) 556-5349.