Home burglary scam discovered

SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Police Department is warning residents about a male suspect who used a ruse to gain entry into a home and steal from the homeowner.
On Sept. 15, the elderly female victim notified police that a man had come to her door at about 3:30 p.m. claiming to be a city of San Diego Water Department employee. He was wearing what appeared to be a uniform with an ID badge hanging around his neck. He told her his name was Rich and that he needed to come inside and check the water pressure. He asked that the resident flush toilets in the restrooms while he ran water in the kitchen sink. After the suspect left, the resident realized that he had stolen cash from her purse.
The suspect is described as a white male, about 50 years old, 5-feet-5-inches tall, weighing 160 to 165 pounds, clean-shaven with brown hair. The suspect had a raspy voice and was wearing a gray button-down, short-sleeved shirt and gray pants.
Police want residents to know it is rare that a city of San Diego Water Department employee would need to gain access to the inside of a residence. All city employees are required to carry photo identification with them while on duty. If any person claiming to be a city employee comes to your residence asking to gain entry, ask them to produce their city identification before you allow them into your home. You can also verify that the individual is an employee of the Water Department by calling (619) 515-3525. If there is any question in your mind as to whether any individual is a city employee, do not allow the person inside your home and call the San Diego Police Department immediately at (619) 531-2000.
If you have any information on this case, call (619) 516-3000 or San Diego County Crime Stoppers anonymous, toll-free tip line (888) 580-8477. Anonymous text and e-mail messages can be sent via www.sdcrimestoppers.com. You can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in this case.