Authorities Warn Residents of Criminals Posing as Emergency, Utility Workers

West Orange Township has issued an advisory from the South Orange Police Department regarding reports of individuals approaching homes while posing as emergency or utility workers.

South Orange Police and surrounding agencies, including the Neighborhood Watch, report these individuals make contact and claim affiliation to a water department, gas company or similar organization in an attempt to gain entry to residents’ homes.

Once inside the homes, the impostors will distract the homeowner by requesting they assist them in completing a task while they go to another room or area of the home and steal items, the report said.

The phony employees often target the elderly. Residents are asked to share this information with family and neighbors.

For more information, contact the South Orange Police Department at (973) 378-7799.