July 12, 2007

NEWS BRIEFS

Sheriff’s office cautions residents about thieves
posing as water district employees

The Office of the Sheriff is urging the public to be on the lookout regarding a scam in which thieves have taken advantage of unsuspecting victims by acting as employees of the Santa Clara Valley Water District.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the suspects typically show up at a home and tell victims they need to enter the home based upon a water company issue. While distracting victims, including the elderly, the suspects steal personal property from inside the home.

The Office of the Sheriff offers the following tips for residents to verify if someone is an employee from the Santa Clara Valley Water District:

Anyone representing the Santa Clara Valley Water District carries an identification badge. Residents can also call the Santa Clara Valley Water District to verify the employee’s identification.

Generally, all visits to homes require a prescheduled appointment. In addition, the water district has no reason to come inside someone's home, unless residents asked for a Water-Wise House Call, which is one of the district’s conservation programs, according to Santa Clara Valley Water District Spokesperson Susan Siravo.

The Office of the Sheriff is urging residents to call 911 immediately, should any of these suspects appear at your home.

Anyone with information about the suspects involved in this scam are asked to call Sheriff’s Sergeant Steve Rooks at (408) 808-4500.