Burglars Pose as Utility Workers, Salesperson: Police

A man and a woman reportedly posing as utility workers to enter homes and swipe credit cards and other items are being sought by Montgomery County Police.

Detectives say two such burglaries are related, and they are also investigating a theft where the claimed to sell and install pipes.

• May 26: A 78-year-old woman was working in the backyard of her residence, located in the 10000 block of Forest Grove Drive in Silver Spring, when a woman came up to her and discussed installing new pipes in the home. Police say the suspect left in a hurry. The next day the homeowner realized her credit cards had been stolen. They were used in stores in Montgomery County and Washington, D.C.
• June 4: An 89-year-old woman who lives in the 4000 block of Adams Drive in the Kensington area reported a woman at her door said she worked for the power company and wanted to check the home’s meter. While the resident went with the suspect to the back yard to show her where the meter was located. The suspect pointed out various problems with the meter, then said she had to speak with her supervisor waiting in a red car in front of the home. At that point the victim noticed belongings were missing from her house.
• June 12: An 84-year-old woman who lives in the 11500 block of Cushman Road in Rockville told police that a woman claiming to be with the power company, asked to enter her home to check the power meter. The victim allowed the suspect to come in while a man, wearing what appeared to be protective construction clothing, came to the door. The man said he was there to turn off the power. The victim went to other parts of the home to locate the meter and left the two suspects alone. When she returned, both suspects were gone and she realized that items had been stolen.

Information provided by the burglary victims led to the following description of the suspects:

• The first suspect is described as a white woman, 5’06 tall and 110 pounds. She has thin, long brown hair and fair skin. In one burglary, she wore her hair in a ponytail.
• The second suspect is described as a white man, 5’06” tall and 180 pounds. He has medium-length brown hair, facial stubble, and light skin.

Police remind residents that all utility workers should carry proper identification. If a worker is unable to provide proper identification, do not allow that person to enter your residence. Also, you may verify information with your utility companies before allowing an employee into your home.

Police ask that residents be mindful of older family members and neighbors, who may be more vulnerable to these types of scams. Report all suspicious activity to police.

Detectives are asking that anyone with information about these burglaries or the suspects involved to call 240-773-6710 or the police non-emergency line at 301-279-8000. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or enter a tip online.

Crime Solvers will pay a cash reward of up to $10,000 for information provided to them that leads to an arrest and/or indictment for this felony crime.

»Photos of suspects allegedly using stolen credit cards, courtesy of Montgomery Police