Ben Madilynn
VANCOUVER, Wash. (KPTV) – The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) is asking for the public’s help in identifying a man who they say is using a fake Rover account, a dog-sitting app, to enter secure locations and steal items.
VPD said the report came from an apartment building but has not clarified if the suspect is stealing dogs or valuable items. They also haven’t confirmed which area of Vancouver is being targeted or the name that the suspect is working under.
“It’s really disturbing that somebody would use, that you’re trusting somebody to take care of your pet and to be in your home and that’s just a gross personal violation,” said dog owner Mark Emerson.
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Emerson works from home and said he doesn’t need a dog-sitter for ten-year-old, Ginsburg. But said he used a dog walking service once before.
”Oh, we haven’t used it again,” said Emerson. “We don’t really trust people we don’t really know to be in our home and also with their pets, because they’re like family.”
Rover released a statement on the incident.
“When we learned [of] a concern regarding this sitter from a pet parent, our team investigated the incident and suspended the account. Protecting the safety of our community is a top priority, and we will work with law enforcement to the fullest extent possible.”
”I really think it’s how you use the service and being mindful of what you’re doing,” said dog owner Kelsie.
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Kelsie is not only a dog mom, but also dog sits for Rover. She only offers dog boarding in her home and said her clients have been nothing but great; however, she has had questionable encounters and always uses her better judgment.
”I don’t go to other peoples’ houses and I don’t do drop-in visits or anything like that,” said Kelsie. “The conversation just seems a little sketchy and I’ll just decline the request if I don’t feel comfortable, but no one’s ever coming into my home without me there, and I’m not going into other people’s home.”
VPD asks if anyone has any information to contact them immediately.
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