There is a $1,000 reward posted by Silent Witness for information leading to the arrest or indictment of those involved in the assault and burglary at the Dawson residence in Fountain Hills on Monday, July 29.

Those with information they want to pass along to law enforcement may do so through this entirely anonymous system.

Tips may be phoned to 480-WITNESS (948-6377), or 1-800-343-TIPS (8477), information may be sent by text message using “silent” plus the information message to CRIMES (274637).

Maricopa County Sheriff’s Capt. Joe Rodriquez, commander for the Sheriff’s District 7 based in Fountain Hills said detectives are digging deep into this case, but it is slow going.

“This is a very broad case,” Rodriquez said. “We are looking at a lot of different angles.”

He said they have been talking with companies that have worked at the Dawson house as well as business associates of the family. These conversations are largely a process of elimination to narrow the scope of the investigation, Rodriquez said.

At about 7:30 a.m. July 29, Susan Dawson returned home from a workout and surprised a burglar in her home. She was assaulted and tied up .

Detectives have canvassed the neighborhood talking with neighbors about what they might have seen or heard at the time of the attack.

The Sheriff’s Office has also been contacted by residents who heard about the attack and wanted to provide information about something they saw or heard that morning.

“This is normal,” Rodriquez said. “It might not seem unusual at the time, until something like this happens.”

Several people reported seeing suspicious vehicles in the area early that morning. One man even offered up someone as a likely suspect, although he could provide no reason or evidence to support his assertion.

“This kind of situation does increase the awareness of neighbors,” Rodriquez said.

The most common question the Sheriff’s Office was asked after the incident was “is it safe?”

“Yes, it’s safe, but people can take steps to make sure they are safe,” Rodriquez said.

Among the things people can do to make them less of a target starts with changing things up and avoiding a set routine. This can make a person who might be watching uncomfortable about making you a target.

Make sure your home is secure, and when you leave turn on a radio or the television to make it seem like someone is in the house.

When leaving the house, look around the street and be aware of anything unusual. A parked vehicle with someone in it is worthy of special attention.

When returning home be aware of anything that might be out of place, or wasn’t like it was when you left.

“If you are truly not comfortable, back out and call the Sheriff’s Office,” Rodriquez said. “We have no problem coming out to check a house.”

If you actually encounter someone try to get out, or duck into a room and lock yourself in so you can have time to call for help, or escape through a window.

If you have car keys in hand use the red panic button to activate the vehicle alarm, this may scare the intruder away.

Be careful about confronting someone in your home, there may be someone else in the house you are not aware of.

“Comply with what you are being asked,” Rodriquez said. “Property is not worth your life.”

It can be difficult under a stressful situation, but try to get the best description possible for law enforcement. Look for things the intruder cannot change. Clothing can be quickly changed. Look for things like tattoos or scars that cannot be altered easily or quickly.