City of Margate Florida

POSTED 10-31-2012

On Saturday, October 27th, 2012 at approximately 10:35 pm, a traffic crash fatality occurred just north of the intersection located at South State Road 7 and Southgate Boulevard in Margate. According to witnesses, an early model Honda Accord was traveling northbound in the center thru lane of South State Road 7. The vehicle struck a 43 year old pedestrian who was crossing South State Road 7 Westbound. The pedestrian, who was identified as Gaspar Campo Seco Ros, was not in the crosswalk and was thrown into the left thru lane where he was struck by a second vehicle. The driver of the Honda fled the scene in the vehicle traveling northbound on State Road 7. Campo Seco Ros was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Margate Police Department is seeking assistance in locating the driver of the Honda who left the scene of the crash. The vehicle is described as an early model, possibly a 1994-1997 Honda Accord 4 door. The vehicle is sage green in color, missing a driver side mirror and has damage to the driver's side headlight assembly.

The vehicle depicted below is not the actual vehicle but a vehicle type.

Anyone with any information on this vehicle or that may have witnessed the crash is asked to call Traffic Homicide Investigator Steven Randazzo at the Margate Police Department (954) 972-1232.

ARMED ROBBERY [posted Aug 1, 2012]

The above pictured suspect robbed an Advance America check cashing store in Margate on August 01, 2012 at approximately 1200 hours. The suspect was armed with a black semi-automatic handgun. The suspect is approximately 25 to 35 years old. He is 5'8 to 5'10" in height and approximately 160 lbs. He has a goatee. He was wearing a tan satchel with a green picture on it which contained the handgun. If anyone recognizes the suspect or has information reference the robbery contact Det. Julio O. Fernandez at 954-935-5418 or 754-264-6490.

RESIDENTS URGED TO BEWARE OF HOME ALARM SCAMS AND AGGRESSIVE SALES

Residential security systems can be an effective measure to protect your home from break-ins, but homeowners should be extremely cautious when alarm salespeople come knocking.

Residents should beware of non-reputable sales "house calls" wherein high-pressure sales agents go door-to-door selling security alarms, presenting themselves as alarm company sales agents. They are using the role to scam unsuspecting homeowners into buying pricey security systems they don't need, or even setting the stage to commit crimes such as burglary and theft. The summer months tend to bring an increase in this activity.

Some non-reputable alarm companies appear to be using sales agents to go door-to-door, aggressively pushing homeowners to buy their products. The agents use a variety of techniques and "pitches" to get people to buy an alarm system and monitoring services.  These tactics may include some of the following:

• Limited-time offers claiming immediate action is necessary.
• Offering free equipment in exchange for signing a costly monitoring contract.
• Scare tactics such as claiming a high number of residential burglaries are occurring in the neighborhood, which may or may not be true.
• Targeting homeowners with signs on their properties for security systems with other companies and then saying they are there to "upgrade" or "replace" the security system.
• Claims to represent or wear clothing with logos from major alarm manufacturers. Note: Reputable firms generally don't allow their logos to be used by door-to-door salespeople.

These tactics are meant to allow access to the home and ultimately get the homeowner to sign a contract.  Agents may also claim the homeowner's current alarm company went out of business and accounts are being taken over by the agent's company.   These claims should be verified by contacting the alarm company servicing your home. Residents should always check sales agent credentials and research the company's history and check its credentials with the Better Business Bureau. Reputable agents must always carry an identification card that certifies them as a Burglar Alarm System Agent (BASA). This identification has the individual's photo and company license number and it means the cardholder has been fingerprinted; drug tested and completed a full background check.

There have been reported cases in Florida where burglaries and sexual batteries have occurred following a visit from one of these rogue sales agents.   Do not allow these people into your home. Do not disclose if you have an alarm system or not. If you have someone who refuses to leave, call the police immediately. For more information contact the Police Department at (954) 972-7111, or if it is an emergency, dial 9-1-1.