Thieves are posing as municipal electricity officials in the Rondebosch area to get into people’s homes, according to the City and the police.
On Wednesday March 15, at 11.30am, two men gained entry to a Rustenburg Avenue home under the guise of needing to check the resident’s meter box, and later the man noticed his Acer laptop and Xiaomi cellphone were missing, said Rondebosch police spokesman Warrant Officer Lyndon Sisam.
Residents should ask officials to produce an identification card before letting them into their homes, he said.
“In addition, municipal workers and contractors must carry a work order number specific to your residence.”
Mayoral committee member for energy Beverly van Reenen said criminals posing as municipal electricity department staff were operating in the Rondebosch area.
“We urge residents in all areas in the metro to be alert and to report suspicious behaviour to the City and the police.”
Municipal workers and contractors should have a work-order number for the home and a City-issued identification card.
“If the person cannot produce the requested work order number or City-issued identification card, do not allow them into your home,” she said.
The identification card should display the City logo, the name and surname of the staff member or contractor, and an embedded photo of them.
In another case, reported in Bellville, someone had called a resident offering to write-off an electricity disconnection order, for a fee.
“Thankfully, this resident made contact with the City’s call centre where it was confirmed that this was indeed a scam.”
To verify if a visitor to your home is employed by the municipality, phone the City’s Call Centre at 0860 103 089.
