The Fresno County Sheriff's Office would like to make the public aware of a possible troubling trend where burglars, posing as PGE workers or electricians, gain entry into victim's residences and steal property.

In recent weeks, three Hispanic male adults have posed as PGE workers in the Fresno area. They arrive on foot and tell the residents that, due to a nearby traffic collision involving a power pole, they need to check the power lines and breaker boxes to prevent an electrical fire. While the resident is distracted, another suspect gains entry into the residence to steal items of value.

The suspects are targeting elderly individuals with power lines running across their backyard.

Most recently, the suspects have been seen in northwest Fresno. In late September, an elderly woman was victimized by the subjects in the 9000 block of E Belmont Ave. During that incident, the suspects told the victim they needed to inspect the interior wall sockets and light switches inside the residence.

The subjects are identified as Hispanic males with medium builds, 5-7 to 6-0, and clean shaven. They were wearing blue jeans and a white T-shirt. One subject was seen wearing an orange colored vest.

Two vehicle s have also been seen. The first described as a brown colored, full size pick-up truck. The second, a green colored, full size SUV.

The Sheriff's Office reminds people to be wary of any stranger who requests to be on your property or enter your home. Always ask for identification and/or contact PGE to confirm the work.

Should you feel uncomfortable with the subject, contact law enforcement immediately.

Anyone with information on this investigation is asked to contact the Sheriff's Office at 600-3111, or CrimeStoppers at 498-STOP(7867).


Contact Information

Tony Botti
Public Information Officer
(559) 600-8137
Tony.Botti@fresnosheriff.org