Crime & Safety

Phony Utility Worker Steals $10K From Teaneck Woman

Man stole safe containing cash and personal documents from Elm Avenue residence.

A man posing as a water company employee stole a safe containing $10,000 from an Elm Avenue woman, Teaneck police said.

The man showed up at her house around 3:40 p.m. Tuesday claiming he needed to check the water meter, police reported. He went to the unsuspecting resident’s basement and said there were no problems with the meter, but quickly went back to the first floor.

According to police, the woman told officers she lost track of the man in her house and found a side door open with her safe missing. The thief reportedly got away with the safe, which held cash and personal documents.

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Police in Lodi said they were investigating two separate incidents that day where men claimed to be water and electric company employees who needed to check utilities. In one case, thieves made off with jewelry from an elderly woman’s bedroom, police said.

Authorities reminded residents that actual utility workers will be in uniform and have identification. Anyone unsure if they are dealing with a phony worker can call police.

Find out what's happening in Teaneckwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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