Police Warn Elderly About Utility Scams

Senior citizens should be on the lookout for teams of thieves posing as utility repair workers, police said.

The con artists have struck five times over the last two months, making off with an estimated $67,425 in cash and valuables, according to police reports. One of those thefts accounted for $66,500.

Police have no suspects in the cases.

The robbers have posed as workers from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Southern California Edison and Southern California Gas, according to the reports.

The crimes could be prompted by the holiday season, when people keep gifts and extra money in their homes, said Officer Patricia Speelman, who is assigned to the South Gate Police Department’s crime prevention unit.

Speelman and other authorities urged residents not to allow workers into their homes without identification.

“Don’t let anybody into (your) house, no matter what sob story they give,” Lt. Douglas Christ said. “There are so many people out there trying to take advantage of these senior citizens.”

Police said the number of victims may be higher because incidents probably have gone unreported.

To report a crime or to notify police of the robbery suspects, call (213) 567-2222. For literature, or to have Speelman present a crime-prevention program: (213) 563-5456.