Scam Alert: Thieves Pose As Utility Workers In Annapolis, Police Say

ANNAPOLIS, MD — A man and a woman working together targeted two elderly Annapolis residents and stole money and property from their houses on Monday, authorities say. While the woman posed as a worker sent by Baltimore Gas & Electric, the man snuck into the homes and grabbed items, Annapolis Police say.

The woman knocked on the doors to the homes and identified herself as a utility worker. She took the residents to the basement and distracted them while the male suspect stole items in the homes, according to police.

Utility workers will rarely come to your door unannounced. If they do, make sure you ask for photo identification, authorities say. If something seems off or suspicious, call the utility company or the police at 410-268-4141 or 9-1-1 in an emergency. You do not have to open your door or let anyone in your house.

The first incident happened about 5:45 p.m. in the 1500 block of Virginia Street when the unidentified woman rang the doorbell to the home and told the elderly resident she was sent by BGE to check his water and gas service. The suspect and resident went down into the basement and then the woman left the home; when the resident contacted BGE the utility said it had not sent anyone out to the home. The resident discovered money had been stolen from the home while he was in the basement.

Police say the second case was reported about 6 p.m. in the 1000 block of Park Avenue, when a female suspect wearing a reflective vest knocked on the door of the home and asked the elderly resident if her water had been tested. The resident let the suspect in her home and they both went down to the basement to check the water pipes.

While they were downstairs, the resident heard noises upstairs in the home even though no one else was in the residence. She went upstairs to investigate and found money and jewelry had been stolen. When the resident left the basement the suspect left the home and was seen leaving the area with a man in a dark vehicle.

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