Oakland Residents Warned Of Burglars Posing As Utility Workers After Elderly Couple Robbed
OAKLAND (CBS SF) -- Police were urging residents to be on the lookout for individuals posing as utility workers following a burglary in Oakland's Crocker Highlands neighborhood on Tuesday afternoon.
About 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, two suspects posing as utility workers approached a residence in the 1200 block of Sunnyhills Road.
The suspects told the two elderly residents, that they were there to check the easement at the rear of the property, according to police.
While the homeowners were in the backyard, jewelry and cash were taken from the residence, police said.
Both suspects were described as Hispanic men standing about 6 feet 5 inches tall, police said.
The first suspect was described as being between 35 and 40 years old and weighing 180 pounds. He had a medium complexion and short dark hair. He was wearing a hard hat, gloves, a dark blue long-sleeve polo shirt and dark pants, police said.
The second suspect was described as being between 45 to 50 years old, weighing 185 pounds. He had a light complexion and medium-length dark brown hair. He was wearing a light blue shirt, light-colored pants and a light-colored fisherman-style hat, police said.
The suspects were also carrying clipboards, according to police.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at (510)
238-3951. Police are encouraging residents to report suspicious activity by calling the Oakland Police Department at (510) 777-3333 or 911.
PG&E is encouraging residents always to ask to see valid identification before allowing anyone claiming to be a PG&E representative inside their home. PG&E representatives are trained to have identification with them and are willing to show it to customers.
Residents who still feel uncomfortable after seeing employee identification should call PG&E's customer service line at (800) 743-5000 to verify an appointment or a PG&E presence in the community.
PG&E customers will receive an automated phone call 48 hours prior to scheduled visits or a personal call from a PG&E gas service representative prior to any scheduled visit.
Anyone with concerns about the legitimacy of calls they receive regarding a past due bill, a service request or request for personal information should call customer service.
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