The 2 impersonators advised the house owner they have been investigating a fuel leak earlier than making their means into her fenced yard.
SACRAMENTO, Calif — The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Workplace is in search of two males who they are saying impersonated SMUD utility employees and tried breaking into a lady’s residence.
The incident occurred on Jan. 23 on El Sur Method within the Arden Park neighborhood. The 2 impersonators advised the house owner they have been investigating a fuel leak earlier than making their means into her fenced yard.
“PG&E does fuel leaks,” mentioned Sandy Duveneck, a longtime resident on El Sur Method. “However for an aged particular person, they won’t know the distinction.”
One of many two males allegedly tried moving into the girl’s residence by holding her at gunpoint and threatening her. The lady did not allow them to in her residence, and fortunately, was capable of push the person away earlier than the 2 suspects walked away and drove off.
Liz Flores and her husband Dave Flores have lived within the Arden Park neighborhood for greater than 10 years and have been each shocked to listen to about what occurred on El Sur Method.
“We’re shocked that that may occur — we have by no means seen individuals impersonating SMUD workers round and we’re out and about day-after-day,” mentioned Liz.
“I at all times ask ‘Let me see your badge please’ so we have been very cautious about that,” mentioned Dave.
A neighbor who spoke to ABC10 mentioned he heard in regards to the incident and noticed a big police presence on the road. One other resident, Sandy Duveneck mentioned she’ll be further vigilant when individuals come to her residence after studying in regards to the incident.
“It is very scary, particularly for single individuals,” mentioned Duveneck. “I have to put my alarm on extra typically and simply be looking out.”
Hector Alvarez who’s a safety professional advised ABC10 what owners can do to remain protected if any individual knocks on the door or approaches their yard. One of many ideas and ideas he talked about is situational consciousness.
“What that does is it lets you acknowledge when there is a change — when one thing’s totally different and it peaks your curiosity,” mentioned Alvarez.
Alvarez says if one thing feels off about an individual, at all times belief your instinct and be ready to decide.
“That bizarre little feeling within the pit of your abdomen, or the hair on the again of your neck which can be very highly effective in figuring out ‘Is this case protected’,” Alvarez mentioned. “Now we have to be prepared to stand up and get inside the home, to stroll away when the opposite particular person’s conduct is giving us concern.”
In a press release to ABC 10, SMUD mentioned their workers will at all times be in logoed gear, in a SMUD truck and can at all times have a SMUD badge. They are saying prospects ought to at all times ask for an worker badge and ID quantity. Residents can name 916-742-SMUD to confirm if an precise worker is at their residence.
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