PWSA Issues Warning After Impostors Steal Jewelry From Squirrel Hill Woman

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority is issuing a reminder after two men gained entry to a home posing as employees.

The incident happened in Squirrel Hill Monday afternoon. Two men posing as PWSA employees in an unmarked white truck stole items from the 91-year-old homeowner and police are investigating.

"Before I knew it, the doorbell rang and I thought it was a package I was waiting to have delivered," the victim, who we are not identifying, said, "and he came to the door and he said, 'I'm with the water company. We're checking the water line here, the pressure isn't good.'"

When she let one of the men into her house, she said she forgot to lock the door.

While that suspect occupied her attention in the basement, the other man entered the residence and headed straight for her bedroom and stole jewelry worth at least several thousand dollars.

"He took my nice jewelry, my beautiful ring, my engagement ring," the victim said.

She said she never even saw the second man until they came back upstairs and drove away.

In response to the incident, the PWSA has issued some helpful safety tips.

First, before you let someone into your home, make sure they have an ID. All PWSA workers will have an ID and clothing with their logo.

"We have a pretty rigorous system of both uniforms, as well as the trucks that they drive will all have the 'PGH H2O logo on them," PWSA Interim Executive Director Bob Weimar said.

One of our employees, dressed accordingly for work. Look for logos and never hesitate or be afraid to ask them to identify themselves. pic.twitter.com/c0jmLejNet

— PGH Water & Sewer (@pgh2o) June 27, 2017

Additionally, you can call the PWSA at (412)-255-2423 to make sure someone should be at your home. According to a press release, "PWSA employees rarely request to enter properties without an appointment."

"If you haven't received a notice 24 hours before that visit, then you should assume that person is not there for PWSA business," Weimar said.

If you have suspicions about a worker's identity, call 911.

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