2 Posing as Utility Workers Rob Home

Police have issued a crime warning about two robbers who gained access to a home by posing as water district workers.

A woman’s house in the 3100 block of Cork Lane was robbed Tuesday afternoon by two men who came to her door and told her they needed to check a pipe back-flow problem, Police Lt. Ron Smith said.

The two were wearing yellow hard hats, white work shirts and carried radios, he said. “It looked very official.”

Actual water district workers wear orange hard hats and orange shirts.

Police said the resident allowed one of the men inside while she stood outside with the other. The pair told her she needed to hold a garden hose at the front of the house to test the water pressure. The man inside reportedly took $120 from her purse in the kitchen, went through her valuables in the bedroom and left. The second man then entered, saying he needed to speak with his partner, then also disappeared.

“We are suspicious that if someone has gone to these lengths, then they might do it again,” Smith said.

Authorities said anyone approached by workers claiming to work for a utility should thoroughly check credentials, then call the company to confirm.

Anyone with information on the two thieves should call police at (714) 754-5206.