LEONARDTOWN, Md. (Feb. 8, 2008)—Police in St. Mary's County report that a thief posing as an employee of a utility company may be working the area. Yesterday, the Sheriff's Office took a report of a theft from a victim in Lexington Park.
The suspect in the case posed as an "Inspector for the Maryland Water Supply Company." The victim said the thief presented an identification card and asked to check the faucets for water pressure. After entering the home, the suspect reportedly stole money from the residence.
The suspect is described as a white male with very short (crew cut) dark hair wearing dark pants white and a green plaid shirt.
The Sheriff's Office is asking the public to be on the lookout for this suspect and immediately report suspicious activity by calling 911.
Officials from St. Mary's County's water utility (METCOM) advised that they do conduct checks, but rarely have to enter homes. METCOM employees are in marked vehicles and have METCOM identification cards and vests. Citizens with concerns or questions about METCOM activities can contact METCOM at (301) 373-4733.
Service employees from other local utilities would also normally travel in marked company vehicles and carry company photo identification. Local utility companies include SMECO for electricity, Verizon for telephone, and Metrocast and COMCAST for cable television and internet.