Today at approximately 2:32pm, an elderly couple in Roslindale (District E5) received a knock on their door from a man claiming to be from the water department. The individual had an ID badge that said “Boston Water Department” with a picture but no name. He told the couple he needed to check the water in the house because they would be doing work on the pipes outside in the street.Once inside the house, one of the victim’s took the suspect downstairs after he requested to see the boiler and washing machine. The suspect then turned the washing machine on and off, looked at the water meter and began to inspect the water heater. At this point, the victim began asking questions as to exactly what type of construction work would be done outside. The answers at first sounded logical, however, the victim, being familiar with construction, asked more detailed questions that the suspect answered incorrectly.
Meanwhile, upstairs, a second suspect entered the house and asked the female victim to go into the kitchen and turn on the faucet. As she began questioning the second suspect, she heard a noise coming from her bedroom which was adjacent to the kitchen and she observed a third suspect standing in her bedroom doorway. She then told the two suspects to leave and that she was going to call the police. As she picked up the phone one of the suspects yanked the phone cord out of the receiver.
Hearing the commotion upstairs, her husband told the suspect to leave and began pushing the suspect up the stairs. Upon reaching the top of the stairs, all the suspects fled out of the house.
The suspects are described as follows: #1: White Hispanic male, approximately 35 years old, 6’ tall, 175 pounds, medium build, wearing glasses, tan jacket, yellow shirt with a brown striped tie and tan pants. #2: White Hispanic male, 30-35 years old, 5’9” tall, heavy build, mustache and beard, wearing navy blue sweatshirt and blue jeans. #3: White Hispanic male, approximately 30 years old, 5’9” tall, wearing white button shirt and khaki pants.
Anyone who has information regarding this incident or similar incidents is urged to contact BPD Detectives at (617)-343-4566. Individuals may remain anonymous by calling the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPs or texting ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The identity of all persons who wish to provide information anonymously will be strictly protected.
TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM IMPERSONATORS
• Make sure they have identification to verify they are who they say they are & always ask for their credentials.
• Show that you are in control – talk with confidence. Be assertive – do not let anyone violate your space. Trust your instincts.
• Look for a uniform, official department jacket, and other equipment used by professionals in the performance of their duties.
If the person is not in an official uniform, look for identifying clothing and equipment. If unsure, explain to the person that you are unsure about the situation and ask for their office phone number to confirm their identity.
• You may also request a copy of a work order.
• Be watchful – who is in your house and what is going on. Ask questions. Make sure you’re with the person at all times.
• If you feel threatened, call 911 and yell out to residents that you need assistance. Yelling ‘Fire’, ‘Help’ and/or ‘Rape’, as you are being assaulted also signals people to assist you.
• Keep an updated inventory of your valuables by writing down serial numbers and a description of each item. If possible, photographs or video should be taken of all valuables. Keep this information in a safe place.
• Place items of value out of sight and in locked areas. Do not leave valuables unattended in such common areas as living rooms and lounges.
