County cautions residents about suspects impersonating department employees

On the heels of winning two industry awards, the Chesterfield County Department of Utilities is getting the word out to local residents about the potential dangers of two suspects in a theft who impersonated county employees.

“A citizen reported that someone came to her door posing as a contractor for Chesterfield Utilities department and needed to check a water sample from the kitchen faucet,” said Chesterfield County Police Officer Cpl. Scott Gordon at a press conference held on Thursday, Aug. 12.

Cpl. Gordon explained that the incident occurred mid-day Monday, Aug. 9 in Chester. The two suspects, with the homeowner’s permission, gained access to the home identifying themselves as contractors for the county utilities department to take a water sample. While one went to the kitchen with the homeowner, the other suspect stole valuable items in the house. The victim was not harmed.

Gordon cautioned residents, advising that no service providers should have access to a home unless an appointment has been made with the county or company.

Chesterfield County Department of Utilities Director Roy Covington reiterated the law enforcement’s precautions.

“The utilities department does not hire contractors that do this type of work. We would never enter into a neighborhood unannounced and take a sample of any form like this; it’s simply something we don’t do.”

Covington added that when the utilities department is working in residential communities, they are in vehicles identifiable by the county decal on the door and all department employees wear a well-defined uniform and carry an identification badge.

The director also said the department employees will knock on doors if there is damage or a break in the water line. “We do routinely, as a matter of customer service, go around and knock on doors to let our customers know that there is a waterline break and the length of time that they will expect to be out of service. But other than that, we don’t approach individual houses like this. We just don’t do it.”

Covington said the utilities’ water sampling program is an established residential partnership with individual homeowners who have volunteered with the county and was not based on the county’s selection. If a resident has a concern with any utilities employee, Covington encourages residents to call the operation center at (804) 748-1310 during the weekdays and after hours at (804) 744-1260.

Cpl. Gordon added that residents should ask for a telephone number from any service provider technician that arrives unannounced. “Ask them for the company telephone number and you can verify that through its website; check the web to see if they really are a reputable company. If it’s a known one or a popular utility, you can verify that easily. If it’s someone you have never heard of before, then I would not let them in or open the door. Just state ‘I’m not interested.’… If there is any time you have suspicions that you don’t believe these people are legit, please call us [police],” the police officer said.

Gordon added, “We don’t want any other people being victims of this hoax. We really want everyone to be sure that if they have someone come in to their home, that they were invited, they expect them to be there, and they know why they are there and the reason for their visit.”

Though the Department of Utilities is more immediately concerned with the criminal impersonation of county employees, a recent county press release noted the two awards it had received. “Chesterfield County’s Falling Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant received the National Association of Clean Water Agencies Gold Peak Performance Award, which represents complete and consistent compliance with the facility’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit for an entire year. Chesterfield County’s Proctors Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant received the NACWA Silver Peak Performance Award for its consistent compliance.”