From Officer Jason Goorevitz of the Baltimore County Police Department:

On 2/27/08 at 11:30am three Hispanic males committed a deception burglary/theft in the Parkville Precinct area. The victims were an elderly couple. The suspects posed as "water department" employees conducting an inspection to gain the victims trust and subsequent entry into the home. While one suspect distracted the male victim by escorting him to the rear of the home, a second suspect escorted the female to the basement. The first suspect spoke with the male victim about repairing his backyard fence. The second suspect had the female remain in the basement while he returned to the first floor to conduct the water test. It was at that time that the two suspects met a third suspect in the victims driveway in a white Dodge Durango. The suspects stole a safe that contained in excess of $150,000 from the victims during this incident. The theft was not discovered until after the suspects had left.

Please be aware of this type of scam that we usually see as spring approaches. Suspects are usually described as Hispanic or Middle Eastern males. They pose as water inspectors, BGE workers, home improvement contractors, etc...anything to gain the trust of the victim. The victim is then taken to the backyard, basement, etc. while a second, or third suspect steals items from the home. Some victims do not realize the crime until months later.

Please contact police immediately if someone approaches your residence in a similar manner. It will not take us long to respond and determine if the individual is legitimate.