The city council posted on its Facebook page, alerting the public to individuals impersonating City Power meter readers trying to gain access to peoples’ properties.
“Customers are urged not to open for people claiming to be meter readers from City Power driving a red Golf, Reg no: DYV674MP in #Lenasia ^NB,” the city council posted.
However, City Power said such incidents were not isolated to a particular area.
The municipal entity described such incidents as a “common crime”, saying criminals frequently moved between suburbs impersonating City Power and Johannesburg Water officials.
Earlier this year, City Power urged the public to accommodate meter readers who would be visiting their properties as part of the municipal entity’s ongoing programme to read meters and audit meter readings.
At the time, City Power advised the public that meter readers could be identified by their City Power-branded uniforms and access cards, which bear the picture of the individual carrying the card, the name and surname of the employee, and the employee’s staff number.
The anonymous tip off number 080 000 2587 as well as the Security Risk Management control room numbers, which are 011 490 7900/11 or 011 490 7553 should appear on the back of the card.
Business and domestic customers were advised not to allow individuals who did not have the stated identification access to their properties, but rather call the risk management numbers or the police regarding suspicious individuals.
Queries and appointments for meter readings could be made by calling City Power’s Customer Contact Centre on 011 490 7484.
