SURREY — Police are warning businesses about a man suspected of stealing employees’ belongings from workplaces under the guise that he was checking for water leaks.
On March 19, Surrey RCMP received three reports of a man posing as a municipal employee and asking to check water pressure at businesses in the Guildford area.
Some businesses allowed him in, according to police, and the man allegedly rummaged through employee belongings in staff rooms while claiming to be searching for leaks.
In some instances, police say the man was left alone to wander the businesses unattended and it wasn’t until employees reviewed surveillance video that they realized they had been duped.
Police say he used the name Kevin.
A similar incident occurred in Langley earlier that evening, according to Surrey RCMP, and was reported to Langley RCMP.
The man is described as five feet five inches tall with darker skin and did not have an accent. Police say he may be associated to a blue Honda Civic.
Surrey RCMP are investigating.
“The Surrey RCMP is hoping someone knows or recognizes this man and calls us immediately,” said Corporal Scotty Schumann in a release. “City of Surrey employees all carry photo identification. A municipal employee does not conduct checks at private businesses and it is not their practice to show up without an appointment unannounced at a business. If you have concerns about suspicious activity, call police and take steps to verify their employment by calling the appropriate City department.”
Anyone with more information is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502, the Langley RCMP at 604-532-3200, or Crime Stoppers, if they wish to remain anonymous, at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.solvecrime.ca. Quote file #2017-36418.
