Fort Thomas Police Chief Mike Daly reported to City Council Tuesday night that FTPD is pursuing an individual suspected for unlawfully soliciting city residents door-to-door, as part of what police believe to be an effort to survey Fort Thomas neighborhoods for potential burglary targets.
Chief Daly described witnesses’ reporting a white male, possibly in his early twenties, driving a white pick-up truck door to door, claiming to be soliciting money for Highlands High School.
FTPD have verified that the suspect, so far, has hit residences on Clover Ridge and Barrett Drive. Reports have been limited to the north end of town.
Chief Daly reported one victim, who ended up writing a check to the man, said the suspect gave the name Jeffrey Brumback.
Upon investigating, FTPD has learned that a Jeffrey Brumback does have a local criminal record: “a long history of theft and drug use,” according to Chief Daly. However, Daly and police cannot confirm that Brumback is behind this scam.
Whoever the suspect, FTPD are taking the correlation between door-to-door scamming and drug use very seriously, given Northern Kentucky’s recent struggle with drug-related crime.
Chief Daly reminded residents that if something does not feel right about a residential solicitation, residents should ask for the person’s credentials to verify the validity of the request.
If anything seems suspicious, Daly added, close and lock the door and call the police.
More as it unfolds, here at FTM.