BEWARE: Milwaukee woman burglarized by suspects posing as utility workers

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- City of Milwaukee officials are urging residents to be mindful of persons who try to gain access to their homes by posing as utility employees. This, after an incident was reported on Wednesday, January 14th to the Milwaukee Police Department.

The victim thought it was just part of a routine check of neighborhood pipes -- but the suspects had much more in mind.

Officials say the incident involved two men posing as Milwaukee Water Works employees. They apparently entered a home near 66th and Chambers around 2:30 p.m. They had the consent of the 71-year-old woman who was the homeowner.

While at the door, the woman noticed another man inside a truck parked on the street. The victim asked for identification, but the suspect flashed it so quickly she could not read it. The suspect said he was checking for frozen pipes in the area and went with the woman into her basement to inspect them -- just long enough for the other man to enter the home upstairs.

After about 15 minutes, the suspect told the victim everything was fine and left the home.

A few hours later, the victim noticed money was missing and believes it was stolen by the suspect’s accomplice while she was in the basement with the suspect.

The suspect who came to the door is described as a male, white, 30-34 years-old, 5’5”-5’6”, 150-160 pounds, a medium to stocky build, and clean shaven.  He was wearing a zippered waist-length yellow jacket, a brown baseball cap, brown pants and work gloves.

Anyone with information is asked to call Milwaukee Police District 7 at 414-935-7272.

City officials urge you to protect yourself and your family from scam artists with these tips:

If a property owner calls the Milwaukee Water Works Customer Service Center and asks for an investigation into high water use or other water service-related issue, the Milwaukee Water Works may send an employee to a residence or business. The utility also may send an employee to investigate high water use or a possible meter issue, or to replace a meter, without a customer-initiated service request. Again, these employees will readily show identification. You may contact the utility to confirm we are cold-calling in your service area.