‘Prowlers’ look for internet access

Reports from concerned citizens to local law enforcement about suspicious people roaming in neighborhoods or on property where they might not belong have risen in recent months, and Shackelford County Sheriff Edward Miller said that quite a few incidents could be prevented if everyone would lock down and password protect their internet WiFi access.

“We are getting a lot of calls about prowlers and loiterers in alleys, streets, and yards,” said Miller. “Many of these encounters turn out to be people with a handheld device or laptop looking for internet access.”

Miller said that leaving wireless internet access unprotected can cause problems.

“Not only are they browsing the internet at your expense, but there are also issues with people getting their ID and information stolen,” said the sheriff. “If you have other wireless devices, those can be accessed as well.”

Miller said that many wireless routers come with a pre-set password. The instruction manual and/or the wireless service provider can be contacted to find out how to set up protection if it was not automatic or if it has been overridden.

“If everyone will password protect their WiFi, maybe it will stop the influx of suspicious person calls,” Miller said. “It takes manpower to check them out in Albany, Moran, and even out in the country. You don’t want someone creeping around your backyard, and neither do others in your neighborhood.”

Those without internet access can visit the county library during normal business hours to get online.