By Leslie Collins
Northeast News
Jan. 19, 2011

Earlier this month, two men impersonated Gladstone Water Department employees and gained access to a Gladstone resident’s home and personal belongings.

Master Patrol Officer James Schriever offered his own advice to residents in Kansas City.

“Any time you receive an unsolicited contact from a public service provider, please do not allow them into your residence without obtaining the proper information,” Schriever said.

He also warned that it’s not uncommon for public service uniforms to be lost or stolen.

“The uniform alone should not give a sense of security for entry on unsolicited service calls,” he said.

Residents should always ask for photo identification with the proper logo, he said. Also, ask the service providers for the name and phone number of their supervisor or company. Then, call the supervisor or company to check if the service call is legitimate before allowing anyone inside, he said.

Finally, ask for a copy of the work order.