Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is alerting the public to be aware of persons posing as city inspectors who use this cover to gain entry to homes and steal property.

Unscrupulous persons are using the recent rains as a pretext to conduct inspections for damage to property. Such persons may pose as city inspectors or independent contractors. On January 15, 2004, two men, posing as city inspectors, stole a safe from a home in the 8000 block of Glencrest Drive in the Foothill area of Los Angeles. While one suspect took the owner to the backyard to look for hill slippage, the second suspect removed a safe from the house.

The suspects were seen driving a 2000 to 2005 white SUV. Both suspects were described as Hispanic men with brown eyes. One was 5 feet 8, 165 pounds and 35 to 40 years old. The other was 5 feet 7, 200 pounds.

Residents and business owners are reminded that city officials and utility workers will always carry proper identification. Always ask for identification. If the person will not provide identification, do not allow the person into your home and immediately call the police.

Anyone with information regarding this crime can contact Foothill Detectives
at 818-834-3115. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour, toll-free anonymous number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL.

This news advisory was prepared by the LAPD's Media Relations Section. For further information please call, 213-485-3586.