Crime & Safety

PG&E Warns Against Thieves Posing As Utility Workers to Burglarize Homes

Two burglaries prompt utility to alert government officials about possible break-ins.

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Jennifer Squires, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge




Last week, there were two cases of thieves dressing up as utility workers who gained access to Bay Area homes, PG&E officials said in an email alert sent to local government officials Monday. 

The update was written by PG&E government relations representative Tamon Norimoto.

Norimoto says in the update that there were burglaries in Oakland and San Carlos and that, in each case, a person dressed as a utility worker gained access to the customer's backyard, while a second person entered the home and stole money, coins and/or jewelry. 

Thankfully, nobody was injured in either case, Norimoto said.

Investigations are ongoing, and PG&E is working in full cooperation with local law enforcement, Norimoto added.
 
PG&E recommended the public take the following precautions in light of the incidents:

  • PG&E customers should always ask to see valid identification before allowing anyone claiming to be a PG&E representative inside their home.  PG&E employees always carry their identification and are always willing to show it to you. 
  • If a person claiming to be a PG&E employee has identification and someone still feels uncomfortable, they should call PG&E’s customer service line at 1-800-PGE-5000 to verify an appointment and/or PG&E’s presence in the community.
  • Customers who have an appointment with PG&E will receive an automated call back within 48 hours prior to a scheduled visit, or they will receive a personal call from a PG&E gas service representative prior to a scheduled visit. 
  • Finally, customers with concerns about the legitimacy of a call they receive about a past due bill, a service request or a request for personal information are encouraged to call PG&E at 1-800-PGE-5000.

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