The Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections warns homeowners to be on alert for phony Community Life Improvement Program (CLIP) inspectors who may attempt to illegally gain access to city homes.
Last week, three men attempting to force their way into a South Philadelphia property using crowbars and hammers claimed to be CLIP inspectors when confronted, according to an L&I spokesperson.
The incident occurred Oct. 14 on the 1200 block of S. Sixth St.
The property is vacant. An employee of the realty services company that owns the structure saw the men attempting to pry open a door of the house and questioned them about their purpose.
According to the L&I spokesperson, the men claimed “they were reviewing the building for construction work” under the authority of CLIP. When asked for identification, the purported CLIP crew grew belligerent, threatening the realty company employee.
Upon hearing that a sale was pending on the building, the men dispersed, leaving the scene in a white van with the words “City of Philadelphia” painted on the side and a green Honda.
The men were clad in T-shirts that read “Local 33.”
In light of these events, L&I commissioner Ed McLaughlin advises citizens to be aware of “bogus” inspectors.
Official Licenses and Inspections employees carry photo identification at all times and are required to show it when asked, McLaughlin explained.
Additionally, agency inspectors are not permitted to enter a property unless an owner or resident allows them access.
Though the crime occurred in South Philadelphia’s 1st district, represented by Councilman Frank DiCicco, the CLIP program is officially sanctioned only in the 6th, 7th and 10th council districts of Northeast Philadelphia.
The 2-year-old anti-blight program is the brainchild of City Councilwoman Joan Krajewski (D-6th dist.). Its purpose is to address quality-of-life neighborhood nuisances, such as overgrown and unkempt yards, improperly disposed trash and other eyesore-type problems.
Similar scams in which alleged con artists pose as city employees and utility workers — including PECO Energy and PGW personnel — to gain entry to people’s homes to rob them have been perpetrated in the Northeast in the past.
In the event of any suspicious neighborhood activity by individuals who claim to be city employees but can’t produce identification, residents are advised to call 911 immediately. ••