Recently, the North Royalton Police Department has received several calls regarding a scam. Residents have reported that a man knocks on their door and identifies himself as an employee from the Illuminating Company. He reportedly tells the residents that the Illuminating Company is replacing poles in the area and that power may be cut to the residence. He then tries to gain access to the home.
Police are advising residents to be mindful of those coming to their door, claiming to be a utility worker. Other stories they could use is that they are there to check your meters, inspect a gas leak, inspect pipes or the wiring of the house. They may look official, carrying a walkie-talkie, or wearing a hard hat.
Two recent incidents took place on Friday, September 30, on Akins Road and on Saturday, October 1 on Edgerton Road. The man in the first incident was described as a white male wearing a red flannel shirt and baseball hat. He was not shaved and was missing teeth. He said that poles were going to be replaced in the area and that she might lose power. That resident called police immediately. He drove off in a white work van. In the second incident, a white male with brown hair in about his 30s, wearing brown shirt and pants. He reportedly spoke with a southern accent. He entered the home, picked her up from her bed and placed her in her wheelchair. He told her that new poles were to be installed and showed her where the work would take place.
According to police officials, “this type of scam is also known as a distraction theft because the victim’s attention is cleverly diverted just long enough for the thief or his accomplice to rifle through the victim’s house helping himself to money, jewelry and other valuables. In order to distract the victim, the imposter may ask you to step outside. Or he may ask you to go to another part of the house to turn off or bang on the pipes. These are all ruses to distract the victim’s attention and give the thief time to ransack your house looking for loot to steal.”
In order to protect yourself from this type of scam, keep in mind the following items listed by the North Royalton Police Department:
*Stop and think: Are you expecting anyone to come to your home?
*Remember that most utility companies won’t send workers to your home unannounced. They usually will make an appointment before showing up.
*Before opening the door, use your peephole or intercom to identify visitors.
*If your door has a chain, put it on before answering your door. It will create a barrier between you and the caller.
*Always ask to see the caller’s employee identification.
*Look for a company logo on the person’s uniform and vehicle.
*Call the utility company to verify the person’s identification. Make sure you have the person wait outside behind a locked door while you do this. A legitimate worker won’t mind waiting while you verify their employment information. The utility company will be able to tell you whether the person is an employee and whether they’ve dispatched a service call to your home or neighborhood.
*If the person is an imposter, contact law enforcement immediately.
“Never let anyone in your home, especially if you haven’t made an appointment,” said Safety Director Bruce Campbell. “Always keep your home locked.” Residents who see any suspicious activity should contact the police department immediately by calling 440-237-8686.
By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer