NEWARK, DELAWARE (11/25/2015) Utility workers visiting homes in Newark initially thought to be impostors were actually legitimate Delmarva Power meter readers, city police said Tuesday.
Police had issued a crime alert after two residents reported visits by someone wearing a blue jump suit with city of Newark patch on it.
Investigators could not confirm any valid visits at the time by city or Delmarva Power workers.
But after the crime alert, more residents reported similar incidents and city police found legitimate Delmarva workers visiting homes to read gas meters.
Manual reading of gas meters in the city is rare, Lt. Bill Hargrove said, but a technical problem with remote reading had led to the in-person visits.
Hargrove said both city and Delmarva Power workers carry official identification that residents may request to see, and if not produced they should call 911. The city can be contacted at 302-366-1000. Delmarva Power can be contacted by calling 800-375-7117.
Newark police warn of fake utility worker