“You do NOT have to open your door:” Waukesha Police warn of people posing as utility workers

WAUKESHA — Waukesha police are investigating three separate incidents involving two suspicious men posing as Waukesha Water Utility workers.

Police say the suspects request permission to enter a person’s home to inspect the water pipes in the basement.

The three complaints were reported to have occurred on Sunday, Jan. 28 between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. All the incidents occurred in the northwest part of the city.

On two of the three incidents, the suspects were denied entry into the home. During the third incident, the suspects were allowed in and several items were stolen from the home.

Police say during this scam, one person will come to the door asking to come in to inspect the water pipes or other mechanicals of the home.  This person sometimes acts as a distraction.  Once inside the home the person will look to steal items of value while the other person will wait outside, in a vehicle acting as a lookout or come into the home to steal items.

FOR YOUR SAFETY, if someone comes to your door and claims to be an employee of a Utility company:

• You do NOT have to open your door
• Utility workers wear fluorescent vests or uniforms with their name and our utility logo on the front
• Ask them to show their identification
• Call the Utility they claim to represent to verify

If you are suspicious of anyone coming to your home asking for access, do not hesitate to call the Waukesha Police Department at 262-524-3831.

We are still actively investigating these incidents.  If any other citizens have had similar contacts with these two subjects or more information about them please contact Detective Jay Carpenter at 524-3812.