Couple Robbed Of Cash By Men Posed As Utility Workers: Police

MOUNT PLEASANT, WI — The Mount Pleasant Police Department warned village residents about potential scams where people pose as utility workers.

A giveaway sign of these scams, as was the case with a robbery on Wednesday, is that the would-be robbers may lack an appointment or proper identification, police said.

The "ruses," Mt. Pleasant police said, occur when people show up to a home claiming to do utility work while posing as a company employee. One of the individuals distracts the homeowners, while the other searches the home.

Police said such was the case on Wednesday when two older adult homeowners on 3200 Green Bay Road were robbed of $400 by people posing as workers from WE Energy. Police said in a news release the two men didn't have any ID badges, but they were driving a white pickup truck, wearing work clothes and masks.

The homeowners challenged the men for ID at first, police said, but eventually, they let them in on the understanding that they were there to check tree interference with power lines.

When the homeowners were in the backyard with one of the people who claimed to be subcontractors, the other one stole $400 from inside the house. Police said WE Energy confirmed there were no subcontractors or employees were in the area at the time of the incident.

Here are some tips from the Mount Pleasant Police Department to avoid these types of scams:

• Always keep your windows and doors locked, even when your home and/or outside in the yard.
• You should always ask to see identification before allowing anyone access to your residence especially if you did not make an appointment with that company and this is an unplanned visit. All employees carry identification.
• We also encourage all residents to contact the utility company or department they represent to confirm the information they are providing.
• If you suspect this is a ruse, contact the police immediately. Even if you turn them away, we ask you contact us as they will prey on your neighbors.