Police in metro-east looking for alleged thieves posing as Ameren employees
According to a release from the sheriff's department, there have been a string of robberies involving their scheme.
'A female suspect makes contact with the victim and identifies herself as an Ameren employee needing to survey the backyard for limbs in need of trimming,' stated a release posted on social media. 'While the victim is distracted, a male suspect enters the home and steals valuables.'
A separate release from the Madison County Sheriff's Department said both the suspects are white and that the female suspect speaks with a foreign accent while the male suspect is tall, thin, and has dark hair. They are driving either a gray, late model Jeep Compass or a white pickup truck with ladders and storage containers, the department said.
Actual Ameren employees will be in uniform, have appropriate credentials, and will be driving a clearly identifiable utility vehicle, the release stated. They also won't be aggressive or impatient with customers.
If there are doubts, Ameren can be reached by calling (800) 755-5000 to double check that Ameren employees are supposed to be working in the area.
A spokesperson for Ameren was not immediately available.
'Please be vigilant and do not allow unknown people on your property or in your house,' the sheriff's release stated.
St. Clair County hasn't received any reports of similar crimes, according to Major Darren Fults with the St. Clair County Sheriff's Department.
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