Clarkstown Police warn of fake utility worker

NEW CITY – Clarkstown Police advised residents on Monday to be wary of an unidentified individual who attempted to gain access to a Congers home under the guise of an Orange & Rockland utility worker.

Police stated in a December 16 press release that a woman living on South Congers Avenue in Congers was home on December 12 when a man identifying himself as an Orange & Rockland employee requested to enter her home to check the meter. After she told him that the meter was outside on the side of the house, he left the premises without incident.

The encounter was reported to Orange & Rockland, who confirmed a worker had not been sent to that particular house. The impostor was described as a man in his early 40s who stood between 5’8” and 5’10”, wore an orange vest and drove an orange van.

No similar incidents were reported that day, but police advised Clarkstown residents to be on the lookout for similar ruses. If met by an individual who claims to be an Orange & Rockland employee, residents are encouraged to check for color photo identification cards which all employees are required to wear. One side of a valid ID shows the name and photo of the worker while the other has the blue and orange Orange & Rockland logo.

If a resident is unsure of the visitors’ identity, they are encouraged to keep the person waiting outside behind a locked door while they contact Orange & Rockland or police and, if possible, photograph the person or their vehicle.