Pantagraph.com | News | Police: Watch for white van, protect your kids

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

To:lakeview condo resident wrote on Oct 23, 2007 6:51 AM:

" What the heck is trust passing? And are you typing with your feet? This has to be a joke. Please tell me it is a joke. "

bloomington resident wrote on Oct 21, 2007 10:36 PM:

" I live in the clearwater area and came back from a run tonight (10/21). A black car (don't know the make or model) pulled up by my house and turned its lights out. If it was during the day, I wouldn't have cared, but at 9 PM at night...it kind of creeped me out. I immediately got into the garage and shut the door. As I shut the door, I saw the car start again and drive off. "

To hey wrote on Oct 17, 2007 7:31 AM:

" Hey @ 3:15 that is one of the best I have ever read. Keep up the good work..... "

uh huh wrote on Oct 14, 2007 10:40 PM:

" Not allowed any negitive comments about our fine police force we have here... "

lakeview condo resident wrote on Oct 14, 2007 10:43 AM:

" every year the college kids that claim to b from isu come over and bug me when my husband isnt home. every year before school starts its the same thing. I need to sell this many so i can win this or earn for my college. I tell them no right off the bat then they start agian so anymore i say get off my porch now or ill call the cops for trust passing. This year im a lil more refusing because i have a one year old daugther aint no way ill let them in or anything. ive got a weapon and will use it if needed. the one that came this yr said well teh old lady down stairs said ud buy . What part of NO dont u get. Next one that comes just might get pushed off the steps with a bat. this is ridiculous "

Be afraid wrote on Oct 12, 2007 12:32 PM:

" Be very afraid. The boogeyman is out to get you. Kinda fitting for Halloween isn't it? "

Lancaster resident wrote on Oct 12, 2007 11:30 AM:

" We received a notice the DAY it happened, although I was not aware that they knew where the "single women" lived, because I am a single mother. We were told to be aware and to lock our doors. I think it was a great job by lancaster just getting the word to us that promply. I also work at State farm and again I received an Email the day the incidents happened there as well although I really didnt know they were or are related. I'm just glad to know that there is prompt warning when an incident happens. "

uh huh wrote on Oct 12, 2007 11:04 AM:

" criminals have more rights.. they would first have to be CAUGHT, and chances of that are slim to none. So they risk is worth it... & theres no , punishment for crime anymore.. be aware, take names and numbers., and go ARM yourselves. No wonder people take matters into their own hands... somebody needs too.. Then more often then not they are the ones in trouble.. everyone is to PC... COMMON SENSE there is none. "

wondering wrote on Oct 12, 2007 11:02 AM:

" Keep your doors locked, know where your children are, and pack. "

al wrote on Oct 12, 2007 7:22 AM:

" see the latest vehicles to stop a kid and ask for a ride today in the paper...same guy different car?, we will never know because once again NO DESCRIPTION! "

hey AL wrote on Oct 11, 2007 12:05 PM:

" Maybe they were black men wearinge maks of white men. right? "

In response to magazine salesman wrote on Oct 10, 2007 3:36 PM:

" There are a group of "kids" that come around once or twice a year selling magazines. These "kids" will tell you a lot of lines (one of my friends did this across the country) Anything from winning trips, to raising money. While their stories may be bogus they REALLY are selling magazines, but they WILL NEVER arrive in a white van parked out front. They are dropped off and told to scower the neighborhood. Unfortunatley we live in an era where we can't even trust them. Be polite, but be wary. "

Gabriel wrote on Oct 10, 2007 3:22 PM:

" Don't know if it's the same folks or not, but we had some characters skulking up and down our alleys here in Chenoa last week. I was out working in the back yard with my little kids, one guy came up and tried to pass himself off as a neighbor. Asking me questions about my house, did I rent, etc. When I told him that my family had lived in this town for 150 years and I'd never seen him, he kinda trailed off and walked on to meet his buddy. They wouldn't walk out on sidewalks, just the alleys. I sent the kids in and followed them around on my motorcycle for a while. Haven't seen em since. "

hey wrote on Oct 10, 2007 3:15 PM:

" what do you all have against the white vans? stop vehicular profiling! some of my best vans have been white. "

Oh No a menacing white van wrote on Oct 10, 2007 2:51 PM:

" I can see the liberals are out in full force, preying on the emotions of good natured people. Probably some liberals driving the van too! "

Witness wrote on Oct 10, 2007 2:06 PM:

" This happened in my front yard. These were not con-men. The man who introduced himself as "Doug" said he was a new neighbor and told my wife she "beautiful". He kept trying to get he get her to go into the house with him to, "talk". She had our three kids and five neighborhood kids in our front yard with her...no other adult. When my neighbor's husband came outside "Doug" took off and got into the a white van and left. My neighbor followed them in his car and saw them get out and talk with a lone child a few blocks away. My neighbor called the cops and the van was pulled over a few block later. These guys were not selling anything. In my mind they are preditors. I would not call being extra alert about your children OVER-REACTING. Be mindful. Educate your kids. "

skipper wrote on Oct 10, 2007 2:00 PM:

" what is happening in our community ? crime in east bloomington and in normal ? I guess that "element" is here in McLean county.If people were packin i bet this would'nt be happening.Lock and load ! "

skeptic wrote on Oct 10, 2007 10:02 AM:

" I saw these emails last week. I agree they are probably trying to fleece people out of money, but if all these sightings over weeks, months or years are the same group, there is no evidence that anyone has been abducted or physically assaulted. They might be con men, but there's no roving band of out-of-state child abductors. Be cautious, be skeptical, but don't overreact. "

Arbors Resident wrote on Oct 10, 2007 8:52 AM:

" The white van was at our complex about three weeks ago with a white male about 30 years old driving and a 20 something year old black male was going door-to-door "selling" magazines at about 10pm. I watched them be confronted by the Manager at about 10:30 and they left the property. Security was also there and I didn't see them the rest of the night, you have to be pretty naive to "buy" magazines from a door-to-door salesman at 10 at night!! Wake up people!!! Thanks to the manager and security for watching the property. "

Description Wanted wrote on Oct 10, 2007 8:41 AM:

" I'm interested in a description of the man/men. Are the tall, thin, white, black, tattoos, blue eyed, scars, brown hair....what? Thank you. "

To Anymous wrote on Oct 9, 2007 9:34 PM:

" I agree with you on the concealed carry permit, but it's not Bush stopping it from happening. You can blame the Democrats in Chicago. If they could have it their way, we would all have to turn in our guns. "

to Magazine salesman wrote on Oct 9, 2007 7:57 PM:

" I'd say you're lucky. I'm pretty sure Ted Bundy and many other serial killers seemed like "nice" people too. NEVER invite a stranger into your home! I can't believe some of the posts I'm reading here from people who have been giving strangers money and checks and letting them in the house! I know people are naive, but please! Err on the side of caution, people!! Unless I'm expecting people or recognize the car in my driveway, I never answer the door, day or night. I buy my magazines online or through fundraisers from schools. I'm sure you can send the troops some magazines that way, and without jeopardizing your safety. "

encounter wrote on Oct 9, 2007 5:41 PM:

" one of these men came to my home, gave me the same info on selling but asked for a blank check. he then asked if i was married and how many children i had and their sexes. i contacted the police last wednesday. now try to determine what his intentions were. "

To Check Writers.. wrote on Oct 9, 2007 4:35 PM:

" To those who have written checks for magazines I'd be scared about them selling your information...I mean just think what information your personal checks hold! "

pepper spray wrote on Oct 9, 2007 4:14 PM:

" in my purse and loaded weapons in my house....they get two seconds to get lost "

Dear Van Scumbags wrote on Oct 9, 2007 3:57 PM:

" I hope that white van comes to our street........ I got a Louisville Slugger that hates scumbags......... "

Myabe they were house hunting at midnite wrote on Oct 9, 2007 3:51 PM:

" If these guys are so dangerous, why aren't they being picked up? Are they actually looking for them or just warning us about someone acting suspicious? That could be a few dozen people at any given time in downtown Normal. "

Checking Account Info wrote on Oct 9, 2007 3:20 PM:

" Not many people realize that once you give someone a personal check they can call anywhere or go online and have funds drafted from your checking account. You just gave them what they needed by giving them a check ... your bank routing number and account number is all they need to steal your money. I NEVER write checks anymore. Close your checking account if you can or you may end up with a huge surprise... "

Checking Account Info wrote on Oct 9, 2007 3:19 PM:

Magazine salesman wrote on Oct 9, 2007 3:06 PM:

" I had a young man come to my door several weeks ago. He said something about earning money for college and asked about my cultural background. He asked for a drink of water and I invited him in. I am a female living by myself. He did not ask any personal questions or say or do anything out of the way. We sat and visited for a few minutes. He indicated that someone would be by to pick him up and that there were a lot of them all over town. I did not feel threatened in any way. I an pretty sure he was selling magazines. They use the cultural background line just to get you to talk to them so they can try to make a sale. "

anymous wrote on Oct 9, 2007 3:05 PM:

" If this is not another reason for concealed carry permits I have no idea what is. I’m sick of living in fear when the constitution (or what’s left after bush and the boys are done) guarantees me the ability to protect myself and be armed. Everyone needs to realize the police have no duty to protect you as an individual, just the well-being of society. These clowns came from MO or TN or any of the other 46 states where there is concealed carry to Bloomington because they know most of the men are ninnying little cowards that are too PC to defend themselves let alone oh a gun and would rather watch their family harmed then say or do something to get themselves fired from their corporate jobs... "

hey Chester wrote on Oct 9, 2007 2:57 PM:

" you better up the dosage, buddy! "

It's happened many times... wrote on Oct 9, 2007 2:20 PM:

" This kind of thing has been around for years. I graduated from ISU in 2004, and while I was in college, a young man approached me on the quad about wanting to buy magazines. I just told him I already subscribed to every magazine on his list and then ignored him. Another time while I was in college, two guys knocked on my door around 10 p.m. on a Saturday night about selling magazines. In my good judgment I did not open the door. Who would sell magazines on a Saturday night? Just be cautious and aware. "

Its OK wrote on Oct 9, 2007 2:18 PM:

" I bought some magazines from a guy in a red van so I'm sure its OK. Got a good deal and love the magazines. "

We're All Disposable wrote on Oct 9, 2007 2:16 PM:

" What if this was 1953? You think the men on a street would let this happen once, let alone more than once? People, remove yourselves from in front of the brain washing machine and get out. Interact with your neighbors, form an emergency plan for your block, start an after school help group for kids on your street. Do something before you’re all living in FEMA camps and working for Ameros as part of the North American Union. Quit worrying about your precious junk, tv shows, sports teams and start being humans. POLICE: You need to remember you are not the AUTHORITIES and we are not CIVILIANS, we are CITIZENS and you are CIVIAL SERVANTS! Most police are too afraid to do anything to a real criminal. The average cop has an IQ of about 75, are completely brain washed by their superiors, perfect minions. They know who the feeder cattle are and harrass the average joe that has the money and is no threat. They're all big and bad w/ their shaved heads and devil tattoos… "

lindini wrote on Oct 9, 2007 2:15 PM:

" More people seem to have spotted these guys than bigfoot in funks grove! These guys although sketchy don't really seem like the boogie man so much as a couple of con artists looking for a small time hustle. I really don't think it is time to bar the doors and clutch our pearls in the dark quite yet. "

I called wrote on Oct 9, 2007 2:07 PM:

" my cousin in Georgia and he said there is alot of white vans with georgia plates. "

Trusting wrote on Oct 9, 2007 2:02 PM:

" I had a man come to my door about a week ago at 9:00 a night. My husband and I were out in the garage so he just walked right up. He told me he was my neighbor from around the corner and he was selling magazines to go to London for school. He said that he went to the Uof I and I beleived him. He also told me we could send the magazines to the troops overseas and to the childrens hospital. I decided to buy one, "since he was my neighbor" and the next day I got the email about this. I cancelled the check but it still freeks me out. I also saw the white van about 10 minutes after he left. I live in the Clearwater area as well. I learned my lesson the hard way. "

well wrote on Oct 9, 2007 1:53 PM:

" now the sad part of this isthat there is a legitimate company that sells magazines at the door, but the use college students, i have bought and received them before, but i still think these guys are scammers, when i talked to one of them he was acting suspicious, and did say he was a neighbor, i went to one of the triang program with mydaughter for one of those jobs and they dont tell you to lie and say you are a neighbor bad part is the kids who are really trying to make money will be suspected of being a criminal because of these guys, and the diffrent license plates, these people come from diffrent states so that answers that , we may all just be jumping on the bad wagon because of one fool who may even work for these people and deciding to do something sneaky on his own. it would be nice if we knew the name of that company now, so we could call it and inquire about the white van and the i am your neighbor speech "

Lakewood Terr apts wrote on Oct 9, 2007 1:44 PM:

" In the past 2 weeks, we had 2 people come over different days. The first person asked if we are interested in buying magazines. The other one said he is writing an article about his community neighbors. He wanted to know about where we are from and our cultures etc. Both times, I said I am busy and had to shut the door. Now after seeing this article, it seems that they are the same guys. Kind of creepy…. "

Lincoln too: wrote on Oct 9, 2007 1:34 PM:

" They were in Lincoln last week..... at least the same white van with GA plates. Too bad they didn't come to my door... they could have met my BFF, a 9 mm GLOCK. Bet they wouldn't think a female would have one and know how to use it. "

Just So I'm Sure wrote on Oct 9, 2007 1:30 PM:

" So the cops are telling us that A) some people are cruising around in a van and are up to something B) they may try to fleece you or abduct your child C) they believe one of the people to be "fairly dangerous" and D) the cops aren't going to charge them, arrest them, or make them leave the area. Ok, thanks fellas. Keep up the good work. "

Don't do it wrote on Oct 9, 2007 1:24 PM:

" These people came to our home about a month ago.. and tried to pass themselves off as wanting to meet new and friendly people in our neighborhood. We just shut the door. Don't give them any money or let them into your home!! "

to concerned wrote on Oct 9, 2007 1:12 PM:

" How about you go pruchace a gun, take some training on how to use it and.. here's an idea... PROTECT YOURSELF!!! Criminals see non-armed citizens as SHEEP. It's very clear that they have no fear of the law (they have not left the area) and they continue to stalk people that live in fear! Protect yourself, stop relying on someone else to take care of you all the time. If you say that is what police are for.. Just ask yourself as you are being tossed in the back of a van, how you are going to go about calling the police.. Get it? "

long john wrote on Oct 9, 2007 12:58 PM:

" i saw a white van in the dollar tree parking lot last night. "

Who cares wrote on Oct 9, 2007 12:46 PM:

" If this guy/these people are white or black....they're obviously sick people. Kids need to be told & put on guard. Doesn't matter what color skin is!! "

to Curiousity wrote on Oct 9, 2007 12:39 PM:

" Have you not been keeping up with the money they've taken from people? That is a crime. Anyone who comes to my house and acts the way they have acted will be asking for it. You'll know they've been at my house too, because it'll say Louisville Slugger across their forehead. "

Wal Mart wrote on Oct 9, 2007 12:36 PM:

" also has 2 guys roaming the parking lot trying to sell something or other off a white piece of paper. one guy took off after a lady with a baby in her cart. freaked me out. i told the lady at wal mart....she ran outside and started yelling at him. he jumped in a red car that was parked WAY in the back where the gas station used to be. "

integritypgm.com wrote on Oct 9, 2007 12:30 PM:

" Go to this website, there are pictures of these men on this website and it tells all about this "company". "

Curiosity wrote on Oct 9, 2007 11:53 AM:

" Other than scoping things out, what threat have they posed? They haven't actually stolen anything or abducted anyone. Not that we want to wait around for that to actually happen, I'm just wondering... "

popo wrote on Oct 9, 2007 11:30 AM:

" If you buy magazines from somebody who knocks on your door then you deserve to be scammed. How stupid could you be.... "

Creepy wrote on Oct 9, 2007 11:22 AM:

" I live at the Brickyard Apartments in Bloomington and a man came by last week trying to sell me magazines. He said he was a student and was trying to earn a trip and other prizes. He then proceeded to ask me a lot of personal questions, then asked to come in my apartment. I did see a white van but was unable to get a plate number. "

Lady wrote on Oct 9, 2007 11:22 AM:

" This situation also happened in the KC area. Actually, I was made aware of this over a week ago in the Normal area. They came to my daughter's home!!!!!!!!! "

Creeps wrote on Oct 9, 2007 11:21 AM:

" One of the guys could be about 5'8" and he might have glasses, and possibly even brown hair. Be careful people "

lauren wrote on Oct 9, 2007 11:13 AM:

" I live near clearwater - twice different guys have come to my door trying to sell magazines. One was alone. Said he was earning money for a trip. He went to U of M and was on the football team. I knew right away this was a hoax. There was no way he would be on a college football team. He couldn't even answer questions about the team. Was surprise I knew the questions. Told me he lived in the neighbor hood. Didn't cover that lie any better. The last time a month ago there were two and they were in their late teens/early twenties. They came to the back door. Where it is dark. They kept asking me to come out to talk. Told them to go away and then had my husband out and they were gone. never saw a vehicle. "

thanks wrote on Oct 9, 2007 11:11 AM:

" Thanks for letting us know!! "

Just me wrote on Oct 9, 2007 11:06 AM:

" This has been going on for months!! They were in the State Farm parking lot just last month stopping women and asking for money. They are everywhere and obviously know what they are doing. The man who approached me in the parking lot would not leave me alone until I had to go back into the building and call security. They were around for days and there were all kinds of warnings out for women on our website. "

Bloomington Resident wrote on Oct 9, 2007 11:04 AM:

" I saw three guys yesterday afternoon around 1:00pm on Dutchess (a few blocks over from Arrowhead). They walked between my neigbors houses and were looking around in my neigbors open garage. At first I didn't think anything because my neghbors house is for sale, and I thought they might be prosepective buyers. But then these three guys just slowly walked down the street toward Royal Pointe. I didn't see a white van but it could have been parked down the street out of sight. These were young white guys about late 20's early 30's. If I had known about all of this other stuff going on I would have called the cops. "

lauren wrote on Oct 9, 2007 11:03 AM:

" I received this info by email over a week ago from my neighbor hood watch. it was almost the same wording as this article. "

MRS. wrote on Oct 9, 2007 10:42 AM:

" I agree there should be a discription. They aren't going to be driving everywhere. There are two of them so IF they are up to no good one could just drop the other one off and pick up at a designated place. It doesn't take very long to "case" an area. I had two young men come to our building selling mag. They claimed it was for college. When they were told there was no soliciting they asked me who I was. I told them I was the person calling the police and they left. "

just me wrote on Oct 9, 2007 10:40 AM:

" be assured, approaching my home or child like this will defintely put an end to this. "

NOTHING NEW wrote on Oct 9, 2007 10:39 AM:

" They come around about twice per yr. ; i suggest everyone get a "NO SOLICITING" sign on their front door as I did. "

Not sure... wrote on Oct 9, 2007 10:31 AM:

" if these are the same guys, but about a month ago a young man ( maybe24) was at my house selling magazines for the troops. He said his buddy was selling the next street over, but I never saw a white van... I'm gonna see if my check went through, if not i'm gonna cancel it!! This happened in CHATSWORTH if anyone wanted to know. He also gave me names of 2 of my neighbors that also bought magazines for the troops. He also said you could purchase magazines for Childrens hospital. Not sure if its the samee guys, but this guy was a younger clean cut guy! "

Bee Keeper wrote on Oct 9, 2007 10:29 AM:

" I was once solicited by two people in a white van with a full colored spectrum turkey logo and the number 25 on it. I blew smoke at them and they left. "

perhaps.. wrote on Oct 9, 2007 10:21 AM:

" if these people come around to any of the readers doors again. they could be stalled so that a person could call the police. It seems to me that they are up to no good in several ways. IF they come to mine, they will be sorry they did. Maybe if you see someone coming to your door with in a white van and you don't know them...go to the door with a rifle or shotgun and see how long they stay. haa haa. "

Heyworth resident wrote on Oct 9, 2007 10:20 AM:

" There was a guy in the Wyndhaven subdivision several weeks ago selling magazines. He said he was trying to enter into a construction management program, and was selling magazines to earn $50,000 for his endavour. He had a sphiel, and was hard to get rid of, even after it was obvious I wasn't interested. Glad I was home and not just my wife. This really makes me want to get a FOID card and a shotgun... "

arm yourself wrote on Oct 9, 2007 10:14 AM:

" Our police force does a fine job, but professional criminals know that police can't respond in seconds. You are on your own for at least the first 5 minutes if confronted by these type of people. Women - take a course on defending yourself. Men - Be men and defend your wife and kids. Let's let people know that the citizens of our town fight back! "

Thank lawyers and ACLU wrote on Oct 9, 2007 9:52 AM:

" for the police in Bloomington, Springfield and other agencies for not releasing these guys' names, ethnicity and physical descriptions and criminal histories. If they were cited with a crime, they should be able to print names based on those charges. "

to "Think" wrote on Oct 9, 2007 9:44 AM:

" The man told the manager what he knew about the single women. Not the other way around. I had to read it twice, too. "

No longer safe wrote on Oct 9, 2007 9:38 AM:

" Basically, the woman and children of this town are now at risk and there is nothing really being done about it. We need to run these men out of our town for good. Otherwise the police are sending the message that it is OK to go around Bloomington/Normal, stalking and approaching woman and children and they won't do anything about it. I also agree that it is ridiculas that we are just now hearing about this in media when it has been going on for a while. "

Bored wrote on Oct 9, 2007 9:38 AM:

" There was a note posted about this on Friday by the Lancaster Heights staff on people's doors. As I told my girlfriend many times, never open the door to anyone. Does not matter if it's a male or female. Naturally if you know your getting a package, then its cool. To Think: Please read that part again, they said " the man told the manager where single women lived in the Normal complex.". I will repeat for you. The MAN was telling the manager where the women lived. Get it now? "

Unbelievable wrote on Oct 9, 2007 9:32 AM:

" Let's share sketchy information and scare everyone in the community. It's time to stop setting back and waiting for a tragedy to happen. It's obvious something is not right here, it's time for the police to take charge of this situation. If not, let's take back our neighborhood ourselves. I for one am not willing to gamble with our children. If the guys pulling this crap are reading this, you best not come to my neighborhood or you might just be sorry you did. "

Morton wrote on Oct 9, 2007 9:28 AM:

" to the past few comments...i live in Morton and last Thursdayi had a guy come to my door wanting to sell magazines for the troops and a trip to Hawaii before he is deployed again. it was a paper looking list of magazines that looked old. I didn't buy anything. Be careful! "

RE:AL wrote on Oct 9, 2007 9:21 AM:

" Sorry to burst your racist bubble, but the man I saw driving the white van with Georgia plates on Veterans Parkway between Clearwater and GE Road was...a white man (gasp!) If the guy arrested in Springfield has a criminal record, I wonder if he violated his probation...unfortunately, we'll never know until he commits a deadly crime. "

RE:GOOD THING FOR E-MAIL wrote on Oct 9, 2007 9:16 AM:

" I am sure these "Emails" you recieved have fooled you many times into believing urban legends that are not true. "

re: I wrote on Oct 9, 2007 9:12 AM:

" agree with you! I think it's irresponsible of the police to issue warnings and not be specific about the perps. I know that if I were in law enforcement, I would not be able to sleep at night if I hadn't done my best to "protect and serve" and someone ended up hurt because I kept quiet. Makes me wonder just WHO the law is here to protect and serve! Neighborhood watch needs to start posting flyers, and sending them to schools since the police won't. "

to: I got scammed wrote on Oct 9, 2007 8:55 AM:

" Me too!! I live in Downs, and the same guy came buy selling magazines. He was quite the smooth talker, and convinced me to buy one for the "troops". He said a lot of people in the neighborhood were doing that. I cancelled my order, but I paid cash. So whether or not I ever see the $50 again... we'll see. He even said that he lived at the other end of the street, and was a child of someone who walks around all the time. I believed him because he described that person to a T. Creepy!! "

I wrote on Oct 9, 2007 8:53 AM:

" Drive a white van but I've lived here for 35+years and have Illinois plates and only wish I was 30 years old again. By not giving enough info the Pantagraph and police put innocent people in danger. "

Rolling Eyes wrote on Oct 9, 2007 8:41 AM:

" I don't know if these are the same guys, but...we had two men cruising our neighborhood (off of Hershey) around New Year's last year (over several weeks). They would ring the doorbell between 10:00p and 3:00a, and give a story about a broken-down car and needing money for a tow. One neighbor who did give them money, had them return two hours later asking for more. They will quickly flee if confronted. They did strangely (maybe coincidentally) not ring the doorbells of any of the police, firefighters, or firearm owners who live on my street... "

I got scammed wrote on Oct 9, 2007 8:38 AM:

" A few weeks ago two young men were in Downs selling "books & magazines" they gave some big story about being from UofI and they were trying to raise money to go on a trip to England.....I wonder if it's the same guys. I made my check out to INTEGRITYPGM....check it out on the web.....it's a BIG scam!! Don't give them any money or your time. Cancel your check if you gave them one and close your account, I did!!! "

Danvers wrote on Oct 9, 2007 8:33 AM:

" I saw a white van in Danvers 2 weeks ago with Georgia plates on it driving around and then again at the Fast Stop. I never thought anything about it until last week when I got an email about an incident in Bloomington involving a white van with Georgia plates. I hope they get these guys before they get one of our kids!! "

The van wrote on Oct 9, 2007 8:22 AM:

" I was following a white van with out of state plates (just like described) a little over a week ago on Eastport Drive. I wouldn;t have thought anything about it but the van slammed on its brakes in the middle of Eastport near Rt. 9 and two men jumped out, two other men stayed in the van. When I came back from the bank 5 minutes later they were standing behind one of the businesses looking out of the ordinary... "

Only here wrote on Oct 9, 2007 8:16 AM:

" On other newspapers they state if the suspect is black,white or other. By not stating it the Pantagraph is aiding the criminal and not helping the community it serves. Criminal history is a matter of public records and if he has a past history and is dangerous I want to know. Since the Illinois gun laws haven't taken away the majority or all of the guns in Illinois I can feel fairly safe that my LARGE caliber pistol will stop them from entering.. Also This story is well over 2 weeks old. My daughter called me about it two weeks ago when an email from friends warned her. Why so slow for the media,police to notify people? Where are these guys living? "

descriptions wrote on Oct 9, 2007 8:15 AM:

" also to the comment if they were white they would clearly say that, if you pay attention to the news, newspapers, etc, they only state the race when the people are black not white, how many times have you heard a white male did this or that, its always a black man or woman did whatever, if you dont beleive me pay attention for the next week to the news and newspaper and see if you ever see a white person being described, and as i stated they are white because they came to my door "

to al wrote on Oct 9, 2007 8:11 AM:

" just so you can stop wondering the men are white, one of them came to my door and said he was a neighbor and was selling magazines, i never seen the van but that is the exact story i got and i live on hershey and clearwater i personally think they are con artist , wanting to scam people out of money, most of the people selling the magazines are younger men and women not 30 something..i didnt think he was dangerous, but thought he was lying and trying to get money. "

Whoa... wrote on Oct 9, 2007 8:06 AM:

" ...this information was included in an email that was forwarded around town last week! According to an official at the BPD at that time, the individuals in the van were cited for not have a permit to sell magazines, and they weren't heard from again. Guess they decided to stick around. Scary stuff!!!! "

van wrote on Oct 9, 2007 8:03 AM:

" There was also a white van in the heyworth area a few weeks ago with Washington State plates on it...don't know if it is the same van or not, but the people in the van looked rough...and so did the van for that matter. "

Joe wrote on Oct 9, 2007 7:50 AM:

" The law binds the hands that are here to protect us...I appreciate the police coming forward and making it public. Unless these guys do something illegal than you can just arrest them for looking suspicious. "

Jim wrote on Oct 9, 2007 7:47 AM:

" Has anyone read the Johnny Gosch Story, you can look it up on the internet. However, that is how Johnny Gosch was kidnapped, outy of state vehicle would stalk kids and when they thought they were safe, subdue and drug the kid and steal them. The next thing they knew the kid was missing, being sold to some perverts, and the parents were in tears. "

Let's Think Roger wrote on Oct 9, 2007 7:46 AM:

" Do you think that in some kind of weird marketing attempt in order to make more money that GMC, Ford, Dodge, Chevy might paint more than just ONE van white? More than that, I'm sure that they sold several thousands of white vans in Missouri and Georgia. I'm also sure that I see at least 10 white vans per day some with out of state plates. How about a little more information here? What does the guy look like? What was the license #? Get a clue. . . "

Adam wrote on Oct 9, 2007 7:32 AM:

" Quick scare the public of nothing! "

GOOD THING FOR E-MAIL wrote on Oct 9, 2007 7:22 AM:

" WOW, THE POLICE ARE SURE ON TOP!!!! I RECEIVED AN E-MAIL ABOUT THIS OVER A WEEK AGO. AND WE PAYS THESE PEOPLE IN BLUE HOW MUCH A YEAR? SEEMS TO ME IF IT WERE RAN LIKE IT WAS IN THE WEST, THERE WOULD BE ONE OR TWO LAW MEN AND THEY WOULD MAKE DEPUTIES OF CIVILIANS WHEN NEEDED. TAXES WERE LOWER AND JUSTICE ACTUALLY GOT SERVED. "

Chester wrote on Oct 9, 2007 7:05 AM:

" This is probably urban legend. Even if the police do try to do something, all you people with your support of your friends in the ACLU will defend them. The ACLU is the true enemy. Leave these guys alone (if they do exis). Go after real criminals. "

Mike wrote on Oct 9, 2007 6:54 AM:

" Personally in north normal our doorbell rang and I looked out the window and did in fact see a white van(not sure about the plates tho) and the guy who was at the door was this creepy looking fellow. Needless to say I didn't open the door as it was me and my two kids by myself. Unfortunate but you just can't be too careful anymore. Pathetic and sad.... "

Been approached wrote on Oct 9, 2007 6:48 AM:

" I tried to post a comment about these men because I've been approached by them. I want to give a description but I guess the Pantagraph won't allow that. I was approached by one of these guys a little over two years ago. It scared me really bad. I was alone walking up to my apartment when this guy came over to me very quickly and said he was selling magazines. I felt very uncomfortable and hurried into my apartment. I looked outside and saw the guy get into a white van with no windows and it sped off. The van was parked far up the road which I thought was weird. I wish I could give you a description, but I don't know if THIS comment will even make it. These people have been around for at least 2 years. I'm sure this is the same group... The whole thing made me uneasy. "

Think wrote on Oct 9, 2007 6:45 AM:

" Cops Stupid? What about theapartment manager? Indicating where the single women are located. Don't give out ANY information no matter how harmless it seems. Come on!!!! "

reader wrote on Oct 9, 2007 6:45 AM:

" what does it take for the police to do something?No description because it might violate their rights.Sounds like we should just call the pantagraph instead of the police because it will just be another story anyway.Be careful people.What a joke .Why don't the cops nab these guys.Bet they would be on them in a heartbeat if they were selling illegal donuts? "

to: Al wrote on Oct 9, 2007 6:36 AM:

" Probably was the pantagraph not telling the physical description. If they were white, they'd clearly print that. I suspect from the LACK of description, we're probably looking at some black guys, I'd bet. Jeesh!!! Go figure!!!! "

concerned wrote on Oct 9, 2007 5:39 AM:

" how is it that a man who is considered dangerous not be identified? do we really have to "wait" until he does something hurtful to one of our children or a woman in our community? even in bloomington/norma bad things can happen. we're not immune.l how can we be protected if we don't even know what these men look like? why should we wait and see? this is the problem with the law. we always have to wait until one of these idiots do something. why do we have to protect their identity? oh, i forgot....... they have rights too. get them off the street before anything happens. "

concerned citizen... wrote on Oct 9, 2007 5:22 AM:

" if the van is seen once with Georgia plates and then Missouri plates, isn't that enough to "investigate" them? What the heck is this town coming to? The Town of Normal is trying to "clean" it up by building this big hotel/motel downtown, a theatre on the outer part and the police are letting some men drive around and intimidate or whatever else people. This is what our tax dollars pay for! "

FYI wrote on Oct 9, 2007 1:57 AM:

" How about 'predatory solicitation'? "

North Normal wrote on Oct 9, 2007 1:36 AM:

" What is wrong with the police throwing them out of town or throwing them in jail. If they are a trheat to the puiblic then there must be some kind of law that allows the police to do something about it. If they are vagrants or just white/black trash do something about them. "

al wrote on Oct 9, 2007 12:41 AM:

" again a big thank you to the po po for not giving out a description of those in the area we need to watch out for. Why even write these stories of red trucks, white vans , bank robberies, muggings in parking lots? Its no wonder those dopes cant catch anyone. And why they dont want people to truly be safer though is anyones guess. GIVE A DESCRIPTION ALREADY! "

"could not divulge the.. wrote on Oct 9, 2007 12:40 AM:

" man's criminal history but added his behavior indicated he is probably fairly dangerous?' If the man has a criminal history, why can't it be divulged if they don't divulge his name? Also, I don't understand why they didn't keep the man or at least be tailing him and know where he/they are if they think he/they are 'fairly dangerous.' Too much confusion here. Does the man HAVE a criminal history or not? If so, WHAT is it - rape, murder, assault, etc. etc.? GEESH! "

Do you think wrote on Oct 8, 2007 11:05 PM:

" this is the first time they have done something. Maybe hold them until you can figure it out. Multiple times in the area?? Are the cops just stupid or are their hands tied by law? Change the law then, I would support that law. Stalking kids? "

they're everywhere wrote on Oct 8, 2007 9:24 PM:

" I was once approached by a man at wal-mart who suggested that I follow him up closer to the building to get directions. But he then said he was selling magazines. I reported this to wal-mart and one of the workers said they do that so it looks like you know them and that they are waiting for a ride or something not soliciting people in the parking lot. Once I told the guy no and walked away he got mad and started yelling rude comments to me! "

Pontiac wrote on Oct 8, 2007 9:16 PM:

" We just had a couple young men come to our house just last week-end trying to sell magazines. They had a very old flyer with magazines in it. That was my first clue something was wrong. They said it was for a school trip to Hawaii. I did not recognize them, so I didn't order. I did not see any white van tho. We have lots of children my subdivision. It's a scary thought that they may have been here. "

wondering wrote on Oct 8, 2007 8:36 PM:

" I would think the police should have gave a desciption of the men not just the vechicle. These quys sound dangerous. "

Couldn't the Police wrote on Oct 8, 2007 8:35 PM:

" have charged him with stalking a minor and kept in jail. Wasn't it apparent that he wasn't right and now he's back on the street. "

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