Oakland police are calling it an old crime with a new twist.
The department is warning everyone in the Bay Area to be on the lookout for fake utility workers after an elderly Oakland couple was burglarized Tuesday afternoon by men impersonating PG&E workers.
The burglars told the victims they were checking on a well-known project in the neighborhood and needed to enter their home.
Richard Kamrar and Alan Carden say a man dressed as a PG&E worker came to their home in the 1200 block of Sunnyhills Road in the upscale Crocker Highlands neighborhood.
The homeowners say the man was nice and professional. But while he was in the backyard with them, another man was inside the home, stealing $5,000-$10,000 in jewelry and cash.
The victims didn't realize they had been robbed until the men were gone.
“I always felt very secure, but now I don’t know how long it will take if we ever get that back,” Kamrar said.
One suspect was wearing a hard hat and gloves, while the other was wearing a tan fisherman-style hat.
Police say imposters are out there, so be aware.
