Thugs in City uniform steal from residents

SCAMMERS have been going around neighbourhoods posing as City electricity officials, and once they gain access to people’s homes, they steal small, personal items.

The City yesterday warned residents of this trick.

“Criminals dressed in municipal clothing and carrying some form of identification operate by visiting residents at their homes and insisting they open the door so that electricity infrastructure, including the meter, can be checked. While one scammer talks to the resident, the other steals small, personal items. It appears elderly residents are especially being targeted,” the City said.

It said its staff do not go doorto-door to check on infrastructure without an appointment.

Mayco member for energy Phindile Maxiti said all municipal workers and contractors must carry a work order number specific to the dwelling and a City-issued identification card. “Residents should ask to check the official identification card before allowing anyone on to their property. The identification card must display the City logo, the name and surname of the staff member or mandated contractor, and must contain an embedded photo of the staff member or mandated contractor. Residents should not allow anyone on to their premises until they have verified these details. Our residents should always be vigilant,” Maxiti said.

The City is currently rolling out a free electricity meter replacement programme across the Metro.

To verify whether visitors to your home are in fact employed by the City, phone the Call Centre on 0860 103 089. |