Thieves posing as utility workers to rob home – Police issue warnings
What will they think of next? Please read Roy Kelley's post warning residents in Gaithersburg of thieves posing as utility workers. This kind of practice is not limited to Gaithersburg though. As we know Palm Beach County can be home to people who will think nothing of preying on seniors or anyone else.
Remember you do not have to answer your door just because someone is knocking on it or ringing the bell. If you're not sure, call the utility or company they represent.
Thieves posing as utility workers to rob home – Police issue warnings
Two thieves posed as utility workers to gain entry into a Gaithersburg woman’s home and rob her. Gaithersburg residents are being warned to ask for identification before allowing anyone into their homes. All of us need to alert our family members and make a special effort to advise seniors in our families and our circle of friends that great care should be taken. Seniors seem to be the preferred targets for this type of scam. I advise my wife not to respond to the door bell or knocks unless known visitors are expected. We ask friends to call in advance before stopping by our home.
Montgomery County Police Department Press Release
Detectives from the 5th District Investigative Section are investigating an incident involving a utility scam in Gaithersburg.
On March 8, at approximately 2:43 p.m., officers responded to an address in the unit block of Highland Avenue for the report of a burglary. The 93-year-old female victim told police that she saw a male suspect on her front porch wearing a white hard hat and a black jacket with an unknown emblem on the front. The suspect claimed to work for the water company and that there had been a gas leak that had affected the water in the area. The suspect and victim then went to the basement of the residence to check the main valve. While there, the victim was distracted and the suspect, along with a second suspect who had entered while the others were downstairs, removed items of value from the house and left the scene.
Information provided by the victim and her neighbors led to the following descriptions:
- Suspect #1 is described as a Hispanic male, 5-08 tall, 145 pounds, approximately 30 years old.
- Suspect #2 is described as a Hispanic male, 6-00 tall, 180-200 pounds, approximately 30 years old.
The vehicle involved in this incident is described as an older model small to mid-size sedan with flat black paint and dark tinted windows.
Police warn residents to be aware that all utility workers will carry proper identification. If a worker is unable to provide proper identification, do not allow him or her to enter your residence. Additionally, you may check with your utility companies to determine whether the company has workers in your area before allowing the worker to enter your home.
- PEPCO customer service - 202-833-7500 - http://www.pepco.com
- WSSC customer service - 301-206-9772 - http://www.wsscwater.com
- Washington Gas customer service - 703-750-1000 - http://www.washgas.com
Detectives are asking that anyone with information about this incident or the suspect(s) involved to please contact the 5th District Investigative Section at 240-773-6237, or the non-emergency line at 301-279-8000. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or enter a tip online. Crime Solvers will pay a cash reward of up to $10,000 for information provided to them that leads to an arrest and/or indictment for this felony crime.
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Photograph by Roy Kelley using a Canon PowerShot G11 camera.
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Roy Kelley
Roy Kelley & Associates
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Recipient of the RE/MAX International Lifetime Achievement Award - 2008
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