PGPD Warns Community About Phony Utility Workers

The Prince George’s County Police Department wants to alert our community about a man who posed as a utility worker in Chillum.  He identified himself to an elderly homeowner as an employee of a water company.  He told the victim he was there to check on a potential problem with her water system. Once he was invited inside, an accomplice snuck into the home and stole money.

This occurred on July 23, 2013 at a home in the 1600 block of Elson Street at approximately 2:10 pm.

The first suspect is described as a white male, in his late 30s, approximately 6’0” tall and weighs about 180 pounds.  He wore a uniform shirt and showed the victim an unknown badge.  There is no description of the second suspect.

A PGPD burglary suppression team is now assigned to focus on this area and are working to identify the suspects.

The PGPD wants the community to be aware of this situation and to contact us with any information on this case.  Please also keep these safety tips in mind.  Most utility workers do not need access to a customer’s home. Utility workers are required to wear uniforms and drive vehicles that are clearly marked. They are also required to wear their work badges where it’s visible to customers.  The worker should also be able to provide his or her supervisor’s name and contact information.  If for any reason you are still unsure of the individual’s identity, please call the utility company for confirmation as well as the police.

PGPD detectives are in communication with the Fairfax County Police Department to see whether this case is linked to similar cases in that jurisdiction.

Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact the District I Northern Regional Investigative Division at (301) 699-2601. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call CRIME SOLVERS at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to www.pgcrimesolvers.com and submit a tip online.

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For more information, please contact the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Media Relations Division at (301) 772-4710.