HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/22/2019 - Suspicious Incident - 19SB000844
19 Gregory Drive, Suite 1, South Burlington, Vermont 05403
Dispatch: 846-4111 • Records 846-4160 • Administration 846-4165
MEDIA RELEASE
INCIDENT TYPE: DATE/TIME REPORTED:
Suspicious Incident January 22, 2019
INCIDENT NUMBER: LOCATION:
19SB000844 Dorset St / Shelburne Rd
INVESTIGATOR: INVESTIGATOR CONTACT:
Det. S. Pope spope@southburlingtonpolice.org
AUTHOR: APPROVED BY:
Shawn P. Burke Shawn P. Burke
NARRATIVE:
On January 22, 2019 the South Burlington Police took a report of suspicious acts of solicitation that had
occurred at area retail locations. Reports indicate that on two occasions during the 2018 holiday
season female subjects were approached by a Church organization asking for their participation in
bible study. The solicitors were reported to be very persistent and encouraged people to share
personal information; name and telephone number. Additionally, there was a perception that the
solicitors were only approaching adolescent or young female subjects, sparking speculation that the
solicitors actions were nefarious in nature.
The South Burlington Police Department took steps to investigate the reported incidents and to learn
what was known about the Church in question. Neighboring agencies as well as police agencies across
the country have dealt with very similar incidents involving the Church in question. Nothing gained in
this investigation indicates that the solicitation reported was criminal in nature or part of an
overarching criminal scheme.
The Police Department would like to remind the public that everyone needs to protect their personal
information. Sharing names, personal identifiers, and financial information increases the likelihood of
identity theft. Additionally, if citizens are confronted with a situation that has characteristics of being
criminal or otherwise suspicious in nature please call the police.