Fullerton, CA
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The Fullerton Police Department is warning Fullerton residents to be on guard for burglary suspects posing as utility workers, due to a recent surge in these sorts of incidents.
Typically, the burglar contacts an unsuspecting resident and tells them that he is with a utility company and that the company will be doing work in their back yard. The suspect then convinces the resident to accompany them to the back yard in order to explain the work being conducted. While the victim is with the suspect to the backyard, a second suspect enters the residence and ransacks it, stealing cash, jewelry and other items that can be easily removed from the residence. By the time the homeowner returns to the residence and discovers the crime, both suspects are usually long gone.
The Fullerton Police Department reminds residents be aware of these sorts of ploys and always ask for identification from the worker. If you do feel the need to accompany the worker, make sure to secure your residence by locking the doors.
City of Fullerton employees carry identification, as do employees from the utility companies. When in doubt, advise the worker that you are going to call to verify they are who they say they are.
Angela Fentiman, the Media and Employee Communications Manager for the Southern California Gas Company advises that all SoCalGas employees carry proper photo identification when called out to any job, and most employees will have uniforms with SoCalGas logos imprinted on them. Customer safety is always a priority and workers will be happy to wait while the customer confirms their identity. This can be done by calling (800) 427-2200 (or (800) 342-4545 for Spanish).
David Song, Media Relations Representative for Southern California Edison advises that most visits by SCE employees will be regularly scheduled or requested by the customer. Be suspicious if someone shows up without an appointment asking to check appliances or wiring, or suggesting other electrical problems in your home or on your property. If you believe that the person may be an imposter, report it to local Police and call SCE immediately at (800) 655-4555.
By working together to alert the community, we can reduce the number of these incidents in our community and make Fullerton a safer place to live. If you feel that you may have an imposter at your door, don’t hesitate to call the Police.
Typically, the burglar contacts an unsuspecting resident and tells them that he is with a utility company and that the company will be doing work in their back yard. The suspect then convinces the resident to accompany them to the back yard in order to explain the work being conducted. While the victim is with the suspect to the backyard, a second suspect enters the residence and ransacks it, stealing cash, jewelry and other items that can be easily removed from the residence. By the time the homeowner returns to the residence and discovers the crime, both suspects are usually long gone.
The Fullerton Police Department reminds residents be aware of these sorts of ploys and always ask for identification from the worker. If you do feel the need to accompany the worker, make sure to secure your residence by locking the doors.
City of Fullerton employees carry identification, as do employees from the utility companies. When in doubt, advise the worker that you are going to call to verify they are who they say they are.
Angela Fentiman, the Media and Employee Communications Manager for the Southern California Gas Company advises that all SoCalGas employees carry proper photo identification when called out to any job, and most employees will have uniforms with SoCalGas logos imprinted on them. Customer safety is always a priority and workers will be happy to wait while the customer confirms their identity. This can be done by calling (800) 427-2200 (or (800) 342-4545 for Spanish).
David Song, Media Relations Representative for Southern California Edison advises that most visits by SCE employees will be regularly scheduled or requested by the customer. Be suspicious if someone shows up without an appointment asking to check appliances or wiring, or suggesting other electrical problems in your home or on your property. If you believe that the person may be an imposter, report it to local Police and call SCE immediately at (800) 655-4555.
By working together to alert the community, we can reduce the number of these incidents in our community and make Fullerton a safer place to live. If you feel that you may have an imposter at your door, don’t hesitate to call the Police.