Crime & Safety
Police Warn: Watch For People Posing as Water Company Employees
Town and Country police are warning residents to be on the lookout for anyone posing as a water company employee after other West County residents report suspicious activity this week.
The following information was supplied by the .
Town and Country police are warning residents to be on alert for people posing as water company employees. In an email alert sent out Thursday, police remind residents that the person knocking on their door may not be an actual employee, but a criminal instead.
The warning comes after residents in other West County cities reported suspicious activity this week from men posing as utility workers. According to KMOV, residents in both Ladue and Creve Coeur have had men approach them who said they were employees for a water company. The men reportedly tried to enter at least one of the resident's homes, but fled when they were pushed for identification, KMOV reports.
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Town and Country Police issued the following email alert and precautions for residents Thursday.
This is just a reminder that if anyone comes to your door and claims to be from a utility company and requests entry to your residence it could be an imposter intent upon committing a crime. Here are a few tips regarding this type of activity:
1. Be informed.
Typically when a utility company needs to perform work in your home or business, you will be contacted by letter or telephone in advance of the service visit.
2. Look for the ID.
Utility employees carry official company badges. Subcontractors carry their own photo ID and may also carry a temporary badge. Insist on seeing this identification. If you have questions, call the utility company to verify service PRIOR to allowing entry.
3. Check the service person’s vehicle.
Most utility vehicles have the company’s logo clearly displayed on the side.
4. If you’re suspicious, keep your door locked!
If the person cannot show you an ID badge or if you have any doubts, do not let that person into your home. Close and lock your door, call 911, and call the utility company to report the incident.
Find out what's happening in Town And Country-Manchesterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Residents can call 911, or the at 314 737-4600, if it's not an emergency.
Anonymous tips on the burglary can also be called in to St. Louis Regional CrimeStoppers at 866-317-TIPS (8477).
*Please contact Local Editor Gabrielle Biondo with any questions regarding the above report.
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