Police Warn of Water Inspection Scam; Jewelry Stolen From One Victim

Police are warning residents to be wary if people come to your door claiming to be water inspectors — or who for any reason ask to get into your home.

Last Friday, officers got a call for a larceny in progress at a JP residence. It turned out that two men had knocked on a woman's door and said they needed to check her water pressure.

While one of the men talked to her in the kitchen, the other man rifled through her jewelry. One of the men was wearing a black baseball cap.

Here are some tips from police about how to avoid becoming a victim of these and similar scams:

The most effective line of defense is not to open the door and say from the inside, "I have been advised not to let anyone into this house." 

Keep in mind that:

• Most utility companies notify you in advance to make an appointment for any type of work done or to conduct an inspection. Thus, the first step is to make an appointment.

• All utility companies provide identification cards for their employees.  Therefore, always ask for identification and record their names on a piece of paper.

• Make sure someone is home with you when you expect some employee(s) from any utility company. You may ask a neighbor or a family member to accompany you during the visit.

• If you have any doubts, call 911 to have a police officer respond and investigate.

Contact the Community Service Office at 617-343-5624 for more information.