Suspects use new method to track woman to her home, police say

KIRTLAND, Ohio (WOIO/Gray News) - Police in Ohio said suspects used only a phone to target and track a woman to her home.

Kirtland Police Officer Joseph Gibson said the Cleveland woman was followed to her home after the suspects left a phone used to track her on her car.

“She never had a chance to see the phone being hit on top of the roof, slide down the windshield of the car and lodge onto the car. Now there is a tracking device on your vehicle,” Gibson said.

Despite being an officer, this case is not his department’s. For him, this case is more personal.

Gibson said the victim is his sister, and he now wants to alert the public.

“My reaction as a family member and police officer, red flags were popping up,” he said.

Police said the criminals often have a plan.

They start by putting a phone on the roof of your car and a magnet attached to the vehicle. Then they track and follow you home.

Once you reach your destination, the suspects then knock on your door claiming you have their phone.

When the door is open, they have an opportunity to barge into your home.

Fortunately, Gibson said his sister was not injured.

Gibson said he is not sharing her name or address, but that the incident happened on July 4 in the Cleveland area.

According to Gibson, his sister was riding around watching fireworks when she heard something hit her car.

“She didn’t think anything of it. She thought it was a rock,” Gibson said. “She gets home an hour later and there’s a couple walking up to her driveway. It’s 11:30 at night. So, it’s suspicious.”

The couple had claimed she had their phone.

When his sister refused to open the front door and called 911, the couple and two other unrecognizable cars drove off, Gibson said.

The next morning, Gibson said his sister called him and said she found the phone lodged onto her car.

Gibson then gave her some tips to stay safe.

“Park your car in the garage. Change your routine. Don’t be predictable. Don’t get into a pattern of driving the same route at the same time,” Gibson said.