Crooks posing as City officials in Rondebosch

Criminals are posing as City officials to get into people’s homes and rob them, warn Rondebosch police.

A man claiming to be a City official visited a Park Lane home in Rondebosch on Thursday June 23, at about 10am, telling the resident he wanted to check the meter box and plugs, says Rondebosch police spokesman Warrant Officer Lyndon Sisam.

“After the fake city official left, the resident discovered her brown purse and Samsung cellphone were gone.”

The week before, on Tuesday June 14, at around 2pm, two men in suits claiming to be from the City knocked on the door of a Chester Road home and asked to examine the electricity meter.

“The two suspects were busy in the kitchen and also went to go check on plugs in the bedroom,” said Warrant Officer Sisam.

After the men left, the man noticed his wallet and cellphone were gone.

Warrant Officer Sisam said residents should check for an official identification card before allowing anyone onto their property. Municipal workers and contractors should also carry a work order number specific to your residence.

Mayoral committee member for energy, Beverly van Reenen said City officials would make an appointment when visiting someone’s home.

“Remember that all municipal workers and contractors must carry a work order number specific to that dwelling and a City-issued identification card,” she said.

The City has the following advice for residents:

• Always verify the official’s City-issued identification card and work order number when an official visits your home.
• The ID card must display the City logo, the name and surname of the staff member or mandated contractor, and must contain an embedded photo of the staff member or mandated contractor.
• If unsure, call the City’s Call Centre at 0860 103 089.
• Report suspicious behaviour to the City’s law enforcement agencies or the City’s Fraud Hotline at 0800 323 130 or SAPS.
• The City does not make home visit arrangements on social media platforms.