Old scam is rearing
its ugly head once again

By William Kenny
Times Staff Writer

The scam isn’t new, but it can still be effective against unsuspecting victims.
That’s why Philadelphia police are warning the public, particularly senior women, about a group of bandits that have been traveling parts of the Northeast and Port Richmond posing as city utility workers and robbing folks of cash and jewelry in their own homes.
In the last two months, the crooks have invaded at least seven homes that way and made off with thousands of dollars in cash and jewelry.
The suspects became violent on Aug. 11 when they assaulted a 78-year-old woman who figured out their scam and resisted their instructions.
"The offenders represent themselves as employees of the (Philadelphia) Water Department," said Lt. Mark Burgmann of Northeast Detectives.
"They have uniforms that match and IDs. They say there’s an emergency in the property. Once inside, they distract victims. They make them go to other rooms and turn on the water."
That’s when accomplices sneak into the house undetected and head for the valuables. Individual victims have reported losses ranging from several hundred dollars to thousands.
The men operate in varying numbers.
"Sometimes (victims) see one person, sometimes three," Burgmann said.
They typically strike between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. and target older women who are alone. In one incident, however, two older women were home, Burgmann said.
The first reported incident occurred on June 15.
Locations of the reported crimes are: the 100 block of Bingham St., the 6700 block of Roosevelt Blvd., the 7300 block of Shelbourne Ave., the 7100 block of Vandike St., the 1700 block of Hartel Ave., the 3100 block of Miller St. and the 2900 block of Tilton St.
In the Aug. 11 incident, the victim let the crooks inside but then realized what was happening to her.
"They were looking for her to go to another area of the house," Burgmann said. "She didn’t comply and stayed with them. They punched her in the head."
The victim suffered minor injuries. The suspects fled and have not been found.
Burgmann described the suspects as white or Hispanic with olive complexions. They range in age from the late 20s to middle 30s.
They wear mostly blue, utility-style shirts. They appear clean cut, though one has a beard.
Police recommend that if you see the suspects, call 911 immediately, but don’t let them into your home.
"If (residents) don’t believe they’re water department employees, err on the side of caution," Burgmann said.
Also, individuals can call City Hall to find out if the water department has a crew in the area. Generally, the department will notify residents of planned work before they show up at the door. ••
Reporter William Kenny can be reached at 215-354-3031 or bkenny@phillynews.com