Burglary Utility Worker Scam
Burglary
Utility Worker Scam
On about 3:30 PM 02/19/2013 an elderly couple in the Byram Section of the Town of Greenwich were the victim of a distraction type burglary. A male suspect convinced the couple that he was an employee of the water company and that he was at the residence to check the buildings “water pressure.” Upon entering the residence the false employee was escorted to the basement by the husband while a second suspect then entered through the unlocked front door. The second subject went through the bedrooms and stole cash and jewelry.
As the second suspect was exiting the bedroom, the victim’s wife noticed the second suspect and asked what he was doing there? He related he was with the water company and he was there to check their “water pressure.”
The two suspects briefly communicated in Spanish (* The victims related that neither suspect had a discernible accent while speaking to the victims but clearly spoke to one another in Spanish.) The suspects left hurriedly and no one was hurt.
Description:
Subject # 1: male, 5’7”, stocky build, clean shaven, wearing a dark colored winter coat with a hood and baseball type cap
Subject #2: male, approximately 50 years old, wearing a dark shirt and jeans, wearing a baseball cap, possible walking with a limp
The below is taken from an Aquarian Press Release regarding similar activity.
“In light of recent cases around the state where criminals posing as utility workers have gained entrance to people’s homes, we want to stress the importance of being careful and conscientious when allowing anyone into private residences,” said Charles V. Firlotte, Aquarion President and CEO. “Our company follows strict protocols when entering customers’ homes and businesses, which include showing the customer an Aquarion photo ID. We also encourage any customer who is unsure or has concerns, to call our Customer Service Department.” Anyone who has further questions or would like additional information about how to identify an Aquarion employee may contact Aquarion Customer Service at (203)-445-7310. Customers outside the Greater Bridgeport area can call 1-800-732-9678.
http://www.aquarion.com/pdfs/PhotoIdentificationSafetyAdvisory.pdf
The Greenwich Police would like to remind our citizens that all the Utilities/Communication companies have a similar ID requirement for their employees. All field employees are required to carry company issued photo identification at all times and to present such identification upon request when entering into a customer’s home. If a worker cannot produce identification, customers should not allow entrance into their home or business and should immediately contact the Greenwich Police at (203) 622-8001. Do your best to write down a description of the subject and the make, model, and license plate of a vehicle if present.