Feb. 17--A common scheme to divert people's attention for thieves to take valuables from a house is back on the radar for law enforcement.

Late last week, individuals posing as water inspectors tried the scheme on at least one homeowner in eastern Iredell County.

A 67-year-old woman who lives in the 1800 block of Mocksville Highway, west of Page Farm Road, told Iredell County sheriff's deputies that two men lured her from her home with the ruse of showing her water lines.

Lt. Andy Poteat said the woman was wary of the men's story, but did eventually come outside.

"One of them took her outside to show here where water lines would go and the other entered the house," Poteat said.

Nothing appeared to be taken, but this is a common scam that creeps up every so often, Poteat said.

"We haven't had a report like this for three or four months," he said.

Many times, the suspects will work in pairs, with one luring the homeowner outside with the ruse of being utility workers of some sort, Poteat said.

While one is showing the homeowner the water lines or utility lines, the other will go into the house, frequently taking cash or jewelry or small items that can easily be pocketed, Poteat said.

In many cases, the thieves claim to work for one of the local utility companies, such as EnergyUnited.

EnergyUnited spokesperson Jennifer Maxwell said a good rule is to ask for identification of anyone claiming to work for a utility company.

She said there are ways to identify most utility workers, but especially those with EnergyUnited.

All wear uniforms with the company logo, have photo identification cards and should have them available to show.

"EnergyUnited employees will not be offended if you ask them for identification," she said.

They are also likely to be in trucks with the EnergyUnited logo as well.

Contract employers, such as those with Pike Electric, also carry identification and drive trucks with the company logo.

Poteat said anyone approached in such a manner should ask for identification and immediately call law enforcement if they feel uncomfortable with the situation.

These cams and others related to home improvement usually crop up at certain times of the year.

The two individuals in this case were described as white males, one in his 20s or 30s and the other in his 40s. They were dressed in blue jeans.

Detective Sgt. Randy Pearson is investigating the case.

Anyone with information can call the sheriff's office at (704) 878-3100 or Iredell County Crime Stoppers at (704) 437-COPS. All calls are confidential and rewards of up to $1,000 are possible.

-----

To see more of the Statesville Record & Landmark or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.statesville.com.

Copyright (c) 2009, Statesville Record & Landmark, N.C.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

NYSE:PEC,

A service of YellowBrix, Inc.