Portland Water District is advising residents to beware of anyone who claims to be a water district employee, but does not have proper identification.
The Ogunquit Police Department reported an incident where men posed as local water utility workers to enter homes.
On Thursday, a man stating to be from the water district allegedly approached an elderly female on Agamenticus Road in Ogunquit. He requested access to her kitchen stating he needed to check the pipes. While one suspect reportedly distracted the resident, a second man entered her bedroom and stole jewelry.
The suspects were described as tall, Hispanic males, about 40 or 50 years old, wearing baseball caps and dirty T-shirts. They reportedly fled the scene in a mid-sized black SUV.
The North Berwick Police Department reported a similar incident of a man, described as being a younger white male with dark hair and facial hair and a slight build, that told a resident he needed to examine the water and sewer systems.
The man eventually left the North Berwick residence when the resident explained they were going to have a relative come over to assist them.
The Wells Police Department reported another incident in which a diamond ring was stolen and the subjects left in a black SUV.
Portland Water District employees carry photo identifications and generally drive white vehicles with the district’s name and logo clearly visible.
If you have questions about whether the Portland Water District dispatched someone to your home, please call 761-8310.
If you have information about any of these cases or want to report a similar incident, please contact your local police department.