Police Warn Against Ruse Burglary Under Pretense Of Water Line Contamination

Press release from the City of Wheaton:

The Wheaton Police Department recently responded to a report of a ruse burglary in which a suspect visited a resident's home, stating that they were from a utility company and needed to enter the resident's home to check their water line for the presence of COVID-19 contamination. While the suspect spoke to the resident, other suspects then entered and burglarized the home, unbeknownst to the resident.

The Wheaton Police Department would like to remind residents that the City's Water Division is not entering homes for this purpose, and residents should ask to see the credential of anyone identifying to be from a utility company or from the City of Wheaton needing to enter their home. If the individual is not able to provide credentials or if you are unsure whether the person is there for a legitimate purpose, do not let the individual(s) into your home, and call 9-1-1 to report the situation to the Wheaton Police Department.

This press release was produced by the City of Wheaton. The views expressed here are the author’s own.