DSP News Release:  Delaware State Police Warn of Driveway Paving Scams 

Location: 

• 100 block Lambert Drive Magnolia, De
• 3500 block Milford Harrington-Highway Harrington, De
• 3600 block Milford Harrington-Highway Harrington, De

DATE and TIME:  

• Thursday June 16, 2011

Victim(s):

• 60 year old Magnolia woman
• 67 year old Harrington man
• 57 year old Harrington man

Suspect(s):

• June 16^th Lambert Drive Magnolia and Milford-Harrington Highway Harrington
• White male, 30-32 years, 5’08”-5’10”, 210-230 lbs, olive complexion, short black straight hair, Protruding teeth, white t-shirt and khaki colored pants
• June 16^th Milford-Harrington Highway Harrington
• White male, 5’10”-6’00”, 160-165 lbs, Olive complexion, short black hair

Vehicles used:

• June 16^th
• Gray and blue van with an amber light on its top or a light green Ford pickup truck
• June 16^th
• White pickup truck with blue emblem on the side and a yellow construction vehicle type light on the roof

 Resume:

Magnolia/Harrington-Delaware State Police are currently investigating several road paving scams which recently occurred in Magnolia and Harrington Delaware.  The three incidents occurred June 16^th on Lambert Drive Magnolia and at two locations on Milford-Harrington Highway Harrington Delaware. 

On June 16^th around 8:40 am a 60 year old woman was approached at her residence by white male, 30-32 years, 5’08”-5’10”, 210-230 lbs, olive complexion, short black straight hair, Protruding teeth, white t-shirt and khaki colored pants.  The suspect offered to provide “crush and run” gravel for her driveway. 

The suspect initially told the victim the cost would be $150.00 however eventually settled for $60.00 cash.  The victim did not have money with her and was given a ride to a nearby bank by the suspect to obtain the necessary funds. 

The victim obtained the cash and was taken back to her residence where she provided the suspect the agreed upon amount.  The suspect then advised the victim he would return later to complete the job however never returned. 

On June 16^th around 1:20 pm a 67 year old Harrington man was approached at his residence by a suspect driving a newer model light green Ford pickup truck.  The suspect is described as a white male, 30-32 years, 5’08”-5’10”, 210-230 lbs, olive complexion, short black straight hair, Protruding teeth, white t-shirt and khaki colored pants. 

The suspect advised the victim he worked for the county and could provide him with “crush and run” gravel for his driveway.  The suspect additionally stated he had two dump trucks down the street containing the necessary gravel. 

The suspect requested cash for his services.  The victim obtained $150.00 cash and gave it to the suspect.  The suspect took the victim’s money and never returned to complete the job. 

On June 16^th around 4:00 pm a 57 year old Harrington man was contacted by a white male, 5’10”-6’00”, 160-165 lbs, Olive complexion, and short black hair offering to pave his driveway.  The suspect was driving a white pickup truck which displayed a light blue emblem on the side and a yellow light commonly seen on the tops of construction vehicles. 

The suspect told the victim he had 3 truckloads of left-over asphalt and could pave his driveway if the victim paid for his truck’s fuel.  The victim paid $270.00 to the suspect who promised to return.  The suspect after obtaining money from the victim never returned to complete the paving job. 

Delaware State Police are advising to beware of such scams occurring throughout the State and offer the following Fraud tips:

Fraud Tips:

• Request to see photo identification and write down their information
• Write down vehicle description and registration information
• Have the contractor prepare a written contract
• Ask for nearby references in order to check their previous work
• Be leery of persons advising they have left over asphalt from a job and offering to provide services at a reduced rate.
• If the person cannot provide the service before getting paid, decline his offer.  Be leery of having to provide cash money prior to any work being started.

To offer information regarding this investigation, please contact the Delaware State Police at 302-741-2803.

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Citizens may also provide a tip by texting keyword “DSP” plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES). 

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Tipsters may also call to provide information through lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333. Callers can also submit information via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com.