Los Angeles (April 23, 2008) - The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) together with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) warn residents to be aware of imposters posing as LADWP personnel who make unexpected service calls as a way to gain access to personal property in order to rob or steal from the occupant(s).  According to police, the suspects work as a team. While one imposter diverts the attention of the resident, the other imposter ransacks the home for valuable items.

 "Nothing is more important to the LADWP than to assure our customers of the integrity and professionalism of our service personnel whose employment is easily confirmed with one call to 1-800-DIAL DWP," said David Nahai, chief executive officer and general manager of the LADWP. "As with any stranger, don't open your door to anyone claiming to be an LADWP worker without getting the name, employee number and name of supervisor first.  Then, please call us to verify his or her employment and purpose of visit.  We're here to help."

 All LADWP employees wear or carry an ID badge and, with rare exception, have no need to enter ratepayers' homes to read meters, turn on or off equipment or other activities. Furthermore, there is little reason for an employee to enter a customer's home except for a pre-scheduled service call at the customer's request.

 Con artists pose as utility personnel to gain access to homes under numerous pretexts. The public is encouraged to report any of these actions directly to the LADWP and any incidents to their local law enforcement.