Fake I.D.s Used to Commit Burglaries

By Jeremiah Michaels

Incidents involving false identification and burglary have been turning up in the Richmond District over the past several months. Five such incidents were recorded between April 6 and May 25, according to a bulletin put out by the San Francisco Police Department's (SFPD) Richmond Station.

Groups of two or more men dressed as San Francisco Water Department employees approach the victim or knock on the victim's door reporting a problem with service on the street.

"It's usually one guy saying that they broke a water main up the street and they need to check the lines for dirt or contamination," said Inspector Daniel Yawczak of the SFPD's burglary detail.

Once the suspects gain entry to the residence, one suspect will distract the victim while the other goes through the victim's bedroom looking for valuables to steal.

Police refer to the type of crime as a "utility employee imposter burglary," which seems to be quite common. Yawczak said there have been at least 30 reports of the same type of burglary since February 2006, and that the crimes stretch from San Francisco to San Jose.

While police have no reason to suspect the crimes are linked, the suspects all seem to operate in the same way. They wear either casual clothing and identify themselves as contractors or wear orange vests and white hard hats with coveralls, identifying themselves as department employees.

"They will never come in a water department truck, either. They usually drive a car or some sort of mini van," Yawczak said.

The suspects in the incidents around the Richmond all have similar descriptions, though. They are described as Latino or Hispanic men in their late 20s to mid-30s wearing blue jumpsuits.

The victims appear to be similar as well. "The victimology is the unique feature of the scam. The people these guys hit are always elderly and sometimes live alone," said Yawczak. "It's been hard to get a solid description of the suspects because the older victims seem to trust the suspects and don't pay attention to the details of the crime."

There are a few ways that residents can protect themselves from this crime. San Francisco Public Utilities spokesman Tony Winnicker offers water department customers some advice.

"We almost never visit customers at home without making an appointment first. The only time that there would be a visit is under extreme circumstances, like a giant geyser of water in the middle of the street," Winnicker said. "Usually, when we come it's because a customer has requested that we come and check leaky pipes or high water bills."

Winnicker also said that SF Public Utilities Commission (PUC) employees always carry identification. He urges people to call the customer service number given on their water bill before letting any people into their residence.

The department is aware of these crimes, and employees have been instructed to wait while their identity is being confirmed. The PUC customer service number is (415) 551-3000.

Inspector Marty Dito of the SFPD said that it is a bad idea to let anyone split up inside of your home.

"Keep them together," Dito said. "Also, don't call the number that the suspect gives you. Often it is an accomplice on the other end."

Yawczak offers additional information that will aid the police department.

"If you suspect anyone to be a criminal operating under the guise of being a water department employee, close the door and call the police immediately. If you have to let anyone in your house and you think they have taken anything, do not disturb any of the areas where they have gone. Sometimes, they leave evidence," Yawczak said.