On Tuesday, December 18, at approximately 10 a.m., a suspect posing as a city water employee gained access to a resident’s home in the 27000 block of Paseo Mimosa in the city of San Juan Capistrano to steal more than $10,000 worth of jewelry.
The suspect, described as a Caucasian man in his mid-20s, was wearing a white hard hat, vest, white shirt and blue jeans. The suspect told the homeowner he needed to enter the residence to check the water pressure.
Once the suspect gained access to the home, he instructed the victim to go into the backyard and turn on the water. He told the homeowner he would join him in the backyard once he finished monitoring the water pressure from inside.
When the suspect did not exit the residence, the homeowner attempted to verify the appointment. He called the city and learned there was no city employee sent to his address. The homeowner went inside to find the master bedroom had been ransacked and burglarized.
Although San Juan Capistrano Police Services has no reports of similar incidents in the city, it is a good reminder to stay vigilant. Here are some tips to help safeguard you and your home from similar crimes:
- Notice the attire. Employees of legitimate organizations will be in uniform with the city or business logo.
- Ask for credentials before allowing access to your home. Even if someone appears to look professional, it's important to check credentials if someone is requesting access to your home.
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- Make a call. If a service provider is asking to enter your home, ask them to wait outside while you call the company or organization to inquire about the visit. In most case, the city or business will contact homeowners prior to any visit if ever they need access to check utilities.
- Report it. If someone appears suspicious in your neighborhood or you feel unsafe, always call it in. Deputies will respond and check on the situation.
