Be on the lookout for suspicious persons posing as water inspectors, Morris Township police advise.
On Wednesday, a man gained entry to a Fairchild neighborhood home by claiming he was sent by the “water company” to “check the pipes,” according to police Capt. Mark DiCarlo.
While no criminal activity was reported, police determined that the individual–described as a stocky, olive-skinned man, about 5-foot-9 with a goatee, wearing dark clothes and a lanyard–is not employed by the Southeast Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority.
“A recent trend of ‘diversion burglaries’ has been taking place in and around our area. Individuals will potentially pose as public employees in order to gain access to your home, while an accomplice enters and commits a theft,” DiCarlo said in a statement.
Police urge residents to request proper identification before allowing entrance by anyone purporting to be on official business.
“Actual Water Authority employees (SMCMUA) will schedule appointments, be wearing an SMCMUA uniform, and operating a marked SMCMUA vehicle,” DiCarlo said.
Anyone with questions about a purported inspector should contact SMCMUA at 973-326-6880 or the Morris Township Police at 973-539-0777.
