Raleigh police: Thieves pose as utility workers

Two senior citizens' homes have been robbed by thieves posing as city utility workers, Raleigh police reported Thursday.

In both instances, a man came to the door and claimed to be checking water lines. He would then lure victims into the back yard.

Both victims later noticed items missing from their homes. Police said the description of the crime hints at an accomplice who might have entered the homes while the victim was in the backyard.

Dale Crisp, director of the city’s Public Utilities Department, said all public employees would wear uniforms and carry City of Raleigh identification. Both victims said the culprit was not in uniform and did not provide ID.

One report described the suspect as an unshaven white man with red hair wearing a red and white shirt, blue pants and an orange jacket. He was said to stand 5 feet 8 inches tall and weigh about 150 pounds.

The other report described a brown-haired white man 5 feet 5 inches tall wearing khaki shorts.

Both victims reported the suspect was driving a pickup truck. One described a dark green truck with a light-colored stripe; the other described a brown truck with a yellow light on top.

Residents are asked to call police immediately if they are approached under similar circumstances.

Anyone with information that might assist the investigation of these two larceny cases is asked to call the Raleigh Police Department’s Detective Division at 919-890-3555 or Crime Stoppers at 919-226-2746.