SUNNYVALE PUBLIC SAFETY REMINDS RESIDENTS TO ASK CITY WORKERS FOR IDENTIFICATION

SUNNYVALE, Calif. – Following a burglary in which the suspect posed as a City of Sunnyvale employee, the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety is asking residents for their assistance in avoiding similar scams.

On July 24, a suspect – described as a clean-shaven Hispanic male in his early 30s, between 5 feet 5 inches and 5 feet 9 inches tall, with a medium build and medium-length brown hair – approached the home of an 84-year-old resident and introduced himself as “Anthony.” The suspect had a 4-by-6-inch laminated card with the words “City of Sunnyvale Employee” written on it. The suspect told the victim he was checking for water contamination, and was allowed into the house. The suspect then asked the victim to go outside to control the main water shut-off. Several minutes later, the suspect left the house and told the victim he would return with additional paperwork, but he never returned. The victim later noticed $60 missing from her purse, which had been in the kitchen with the suspect.

A similar scam took place recently in Campbell, with three suspects posing as Campbell city employees to gain entry.

City of Sunnyvale employees working in the field can be identified by their clearly marked uniforms. The Department of Public Works uniform shirt is bright orange, with Sunnyvale logo patches and a name patch. Public Works employees working in the community should always be driving marked City vehicles. Employees will also have photo identification cards issued by the City, and will present them upon request. Residents who are still not certain they are speaking with a City employee should contact the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety at (408) 730-7110 or by dialing 9‑1‑1, and an officer will respond.