PGPD Warns Community About Phony Utility Workers

The Prince George’s County Police Department wants to alert our community about two suspects who posed as contractors in Clinton. The suspects are using the phony identities in order to steal from their victims.  Detectives are currently investigating two separate incidents.  

Detectives believe the same suspects are involved in both cases.

On November 6, 2013, the suspects targeted a home in the 5800 block of Kirby Road. They told the victim they were in the area conducting survey work.  When the victim walked to the back of the house with one suspect, the second suspect walked into the front door and stole a safe.  The victim was not hurt.

On October 30, 2013, at about 3:30 pm, two suspects wearing white hard hats targeted a home in the 6500 block of Horseshoe Road.  The suspects told the victim they worked for a water company and were there to check on a gas leak in the victim’s home.  When one suspect walked into a bathroom with the victim, the second suspect stole cash and a safe.  The victim was not hurt.  In this case, the suspects were driving a dark-colored sedan.

The PGPD wants our 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.

Anyone with information on these cases is asked to call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or the Regional Investigation Division - South at 301-856-3130. Whenever information is given to the Prince George’s County Crime Solvers Line, you do not have to leave your name.  A CASH REWARD OF UP TO $1000 is being offered for the tip that leads to the arrest and indictment of the suspect(s).

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