There’s a new burglary scheme hitting the Bay Area, with two instances in Fremont, one in Union City, and one in Sunnyvale (Ponderosa neighborhood).  Passing on the alert from Shonda Ranson of the City of Sunnyvale:

Hello SNA’s,
I normally prefer to post the good news, but have been asked to get the word out wherever possible about something that creeps up every couple of years. Please share with friends and family. You can also share via:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=621610281206691&set=a.212220462145677.59120.132586463442411&type=1&theater
Google+ https://plus.google.com/u/1/b/100461449216924031646/+cityofsunnyvale/posts
or if you’ve seen my post on Nextdoor under Nearby Neighborhoods > Encinal Park

CRIME PREVENTION ALERT: Check for IDs and call the agency before letting workers that you were not expecting into your home – even if they are in uniforms.

Several police departments around the Bay have been reporting an increase in burglars dressed in what appear to be utility or city agency uniforms, entering homes and distracting residents while a partner robs the home. In Fremont, one burglar was claiming to be with animal services and looking for poisonous snakes http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/08/26/fremont-burglars-posing-as-city-workers-looking-for-snakes/ . In Oakland, they were posing as utility workers http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/08/22/oakland-residents-warned-of-burglars-posing-as-utility-workers-after-elderly-couple-robbed/Remember that public employees are required to carry ID, and it is rare that they will need to enter your home. If you are not expecting a visit from an municipal employee or utility worker, ask for ID and verify with the agency.

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