This week an elderly resident was burglarized by two subjects claiming to be utility pole technicians. On Tuesday afternoon, an 86 year-old Alameda Blvd. resident opened her front door to a man claiming to be a utility pole technician. The man asked the resident if he could go through her home to the back yard to check the lines on the utility pole and that he had a female supervisor who would be assisting. The resident didn’t allow him into her home, but directed the man to a side gate where she said she would meet them. When she arrived at the gate, a woman introduced herself as the supervisor and stated that she would be checking the utility pole and that the other technician went down the street checking the other end of the line. The female suspect then distracted the resident with casual conversation all the while talking into a hand held radio or smart phone device. It wasn’t until the next day that the victim noticed several pieces of jewelry missing from her dining and bedroom areas.
It is important to note that during the contact, the subjects repeatedly asked if the victim was alone. The suspects were last seen in a white compact car. The suspects are being described as:
Suspect (1): Male adult, Hispanic, 21 – 25 years of age, short, “clean cut”, no facial hair
Suspect (2): Female adult, Hispanic, 25 – 30 years of age, short, clear complexion
Even though the suspects never said they were from SDG&E, it was implied due to the introduction and the professional terms they used. Here a few tips from SDG&E if you suspect an imposter:
• Make sure that everyone in question is wearing a SDG&E-marked uniform.
• Ask any SDG&E employee to display a company identification card.
• Ensure that they have arrived in a SDG&E-marked company vehicle.
• Never leave the house if asked; SDG&E does not ask customers to leave your house unattended.
• Note: SDG&E often hires contractors to complete smart meter work or provides information on energy efficiency programs; however contractors will never ask customers to leave their home for any reason.
• If you have not called to request service or are not expecting a visit from SDG&E, please make sure proper identification is requested.
• If you are suspicious, please call SDG&E at 1-800-411-7343 to ensure that work is currently being conducted in your area.
• Or call the Coronado Police Department at (619) 522-7350 if you feel the person is acting suspicious.
Source: Coronado Police Department Facebook Page
