Newark Police investigate suspicious person portraying utility worker

4:37 p.m., Nov. 12, 2015--The Newark Police Department is investigating a suspicious person complaint in which an unknown person entered a residence by portraying himself as a utility worker.

At approximately 1:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 12, a man knocked on the door of a house in the 100 block of East Park Place. He told the resident that he needed to check the gas pipes in the basement. The resident let him in, he went to the basement for a short period of time and then left without incident.

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It has been confirmed that none of the utility companies or the City of Newark sent workers to this address. This incident is still under investigation, and it is unknown if anything was taken from the house.

This incident is very similar to another incident reported on Oct. 13, in which an individual told a resident that he was with the city of Newark.

The suspect is described as a black male, wearing a blue jump suit, green vest and white helmet and carrying a clip board.

Residents are reminded that city of Newark employees rarely ask to enter someone’s house and always carry identification. If there is any doubt about a person wanting to enter your house, call 911 immediately.

Anyone with additional information on this incident should contact Cpl.  Robert Sharpe at 302-366-7100 ext. 3427 or Robert.Sharpe@cj.state.de.us. Anonymous tips can be texted to 302NPD, with the message to TIP411. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com, where a reward may be available. 

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