UPDATED STORY: Police say workers were legitimate Delmarva Power meter readers
NEWARK, DELAWARE (11/13/2015) City police are warning residents about a fake utility worker asking people to enter their homes.
The latest incident happened about 1:30 p.m. Thursday when a man carrying a clipboard knocked on the door of a house in the 100 block of E. Park Place.
The man said he needed to check the gas pipes in the basement, and the resident let him in. After a short time in the basement, the man left without incident, Lt. Bill Hargrove said. It hasn’t been determined if anything was taken from the home.
He said an investigation found no city utility workers had gone to the home.
Hargrove said a similar incident happened Oct. 13, when a man claimed to be working for the city.
The man was described as black, wearing a blue jump suit, green vest and a white helmet.
Hargrove asked anyone with information on the man to contact Cpl. Robert Sharpe at 302-366-7100, ext. 3427 or Robert.Sharpe@cj.state.de.us.
“Residents are reminded that city of Newark employees rarely ask to enter someone’s house and always carry identification,” Hargrove said. “If there is any doubt about the person wanting to enter your house call 911 immediately.”