From Bill Kaempffer, Bridgeport Police spokesman:
The Bridgeport Police Department is cautioning the public about an apparent scam in the area in which males pose as gas company workers in an effort to gain entry into people’s homes.
The most recent incident happened Saturday on Summit Street. Another attempt was made on nearby Fairview Avenue.
On Summit Street, a male claiming to work for the gas company gained access after stating that there was a gas line break down the street that had infiltrated the water supply. The suspect spoke with the male occupant of the house. The two went downstairs to check the home’s water supply. That is when a second man entered the house and started talking to the wife asking if there were any sinks on the first floor.
The two men communicated with each other in Spanish over walkie talkies.
The suspects abruptly left the house after one apparently noticed a Bridgeport police uniform hanging in the sunroom. The residents have a son on the force.
“Scams come in all forms and we ask people to be careful when allowing people into their homes,” said Police Chief Joseph L. Gaudett Jr. “Ask for work ID, and scrutinize it. If in doubt, call the company where they say to work to verify. If they are legitimate, the workers won’t mind waiting a few minutes.”
