Gresham Police: Man Claiming to Work for Utility Company Attempted to Enter Multiple Homes in April

GRESHAM, OR — A man in Northwest Gresham has reportedly been posing as a utility worker and attempting to gain entry into residents' homes, according to a police statement Tuesday.

Utility companies reportedly notified Gresham police to the situation after residents reported five different occasions of the man's attempts, though they noted there could be other, unreported cases.

Police ask that anyone who has experienced something similar and can provide a description of the person who claimed to be a utility worker to call the Gresham Police Department tip line at 503-618-2719, or toll free at 888-989-3505.

Residents near the intersection of Northwest Division Street and Northwest Mawrcrest Drive, as well as residents of an apartment complex in the 2700-block of West Powell Boulevard have reported a man coming to their door in the evening, sometimes as late as 9 p.m., between April 13 and April 28. After knocking, the man claimed to be from a utility company and asked to come into the homes to check services.

The man reportedly offered no identification and didn't wear a uniform.

From the Gresham Police Department:

Utility companies say it's rare for a worker to contact homeowners unannounced, especially late at night, so if someone comes to your door purporting to be from a business or company, make sure you ask for a photo identification and look for a vehicle with a matching logo on it.

If the person still seems suspicious or refuses to give you information, call police with a description of the person.

Patch reported a similar situation in Hillsboro on April 6.

In that case, it was two men who attempted to gain entry to a resident's home in the guise of city employees.

Patch has reached out to the Gresham Police Department and will update this post when more information becomes available.

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