{"id":48963,"date":"2023-08-22T07:58:17","date_gmt":"2023-08-22T05:58:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/peoplespost\/crooks-on-the-prowl-20230821\/"},"modified":"2025-03-19T21:15:16","modified_gmt":"2025-03-19T19:15:16","slug":"crooks-on-the-prowl-20230821","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/peoplespost\/crooks-on-the-prowl-20230821\/","title":{"rendered":"Bogus City employees scamming Rondebosch residents, police urge public to be vigilant"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>With two incidents of bogus City employees tricking residents and escaping with their valuables, police warn the community to be vigilant when dealing with strangers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to police, on Friday 11 August scammers using a similar modus operandi pounced on two houses in Newlands and Rosebank. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the first incident, on Avenue Road, Newlands, the scammer pounced as the homeowner prepared to go away around 10:35. He claimed to be from the City to inspect the meter box. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not expecting anything untoward, the owner reportedly allowed the man in. After a brief spell the man informed the owner that everything was in order and left. It was after the man\u2019s departure that the owner realised a computer and charger had been stolen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a second incident, around 17:30, a scammer entered a house in Lyle Road, Rosebank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Police say the owner heard a knock at the door and went to investigate. Two men, who also claimed to be from the City, indicated they came to examine the water meter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cHe allowed them into his home,\u201d explained acting station Commander at Rondebosch Police Station WO Lyndon Sisam. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhen they left he discovered his iPhone 13, MacBook Air 256 and Air pods were gone.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With an attitude of concern he urged residents to exercise caution before letting anyone into their homes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cPlease be extra-vigilant. If you do not have an appointment with the City or when [supposed workers] do not have a work order number specific to your home, [do not let them into your home].\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sisam added anybody claiming to work for the City or municipality needs to provide a City identification card, which can be verified through its Call Centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Incidents of scammers are not new in the metro and the City is targeted as the service provider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a statement published on the City\u2019s website in 2020 Phindile Maxiti, former Mayco member for energy and climate change, cautioned: \u201cThe City does not have members of staff going from door to door to check infrastructure without an appointment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe City does check electricity meters every so often, but must make an appointment with the resident.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He confirmed all municipal workers and contractors must carry a work order number specific to that dwelling\/home as well as a City-issued identification card. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cResidents should ask to check the official ID card before allowing anyone onto their property.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The identification card must display:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The City logo<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The name and surname of the staff member or mandated contractor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The ID card must have an embedded photo of the staff member or mandated contractor<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cResidents are not to allow anyone onto their premises until they have verified these detail,\u201d read the statement. \u201cOur residents should always be vigilant in these cases.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The public can verify whether visitors to their homes work for the City by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Phoning the City\u2019s Call Centre on 0860 103 089 to confirm whether work is being carried out in their area;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Informing the official that they will allow them entry only once the Call Centre has verified their identity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Residents can find out which suburbs have this meter replacement work completed and if their suburb has been selected for compulsory upgrades by viewing the project schedule on www.capetown.gov.za\/electricitymeters<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With two incidents of bogus City employees tricking residents and escaping with their valuables, police warn the community to be vigilant when dealing with 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