Police are warning east Auckland residents to check the identification of official workers following reports of people impersonating officials.
Counties Manukau East Police area community service manager, senior sergeant Anson Lin, says police have recently dealt with multiple burglaries in the Howick area in which a suspect impersonated an official worker.
“Police are aware there have been persons identifying themselves as official workers and visiting houses, advising residents they’re there to check the water or power metres.
“A high-vis jacket is no guarantee of authority and sadly there are offenders out there who are trying to take advantage of people.”
Police remind residents all official workers, regardless of which organisation they work for, will be clearly identifiable with photo ID, uniforms and fluro gear.
“We encourage anyone who sees something that doesn’t appear right to contact police,” Lin says.
“Don’t be afraid to challenge something or someone to ask for identification. Official workers will be clearly identifiable.”
He says residents who notice any suspicious behaviour in their neighbourhood should contact police.
“If you see something, say something. We need the public to report any suspicious activity so we can conduct enquiries and hold offenders to account.
“If you see suspicious behaviour and it’s happening now please contact police on 111 or if it is after the fact, phone police on 105 or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105.”
