[quote=Russell]I offered some free firewood on craigslist. The first respondent was obviously using the contact to case us out. I let him know that I was on to him and that he best never come near my place under any circumstances.I think the risk from this jerk is over. Be careful. I cancelled the add and won’t do that again.[/quote]

Folks, when dealing on craigslist, you really should always do your sales transactions when possible

1) in a public place, like a well lit mall
2) in daylight with a lot of people present

….

3) If you plan on selling your car via craigslist and need the person wants to take a test drive and you don’t feel comfortable leaving him the keys with him alone, you should always request to get a photo copy of his driver’s license and leave it with a buddy or coworker. Best thing is to have that person come to your place of work, sign in with the receptionist/security guard so someone else gets a look of him, tell that coworker you are going to go on a test drive with that person and that you will be back.

4) There’s also been plenty of home invasion robberies in Carmel Valley targeting women. The would be robber would wait for the garage door to almost close and sneak into the garage as the door was coming down just as the person was getting out of the car…And some of these homes had alarms, but the robber forced the person to disarm the alarm.So… check your garage door is down and no one is behind you before leaving your car. Also, it goes without saying you should leave the door to enter your home locked and also keep your car doors locked at all times when possible.

5) Lastly, for holiday shopping, it goes without saying. Don’t leave your packages/gifts in plain sight in your car, unless you don’t mind having your windows smashed. Leave them in the trunk.