Beware of criminals posing as BXC smart meter staff
VEREENIGING. - Criminals posing as smart meter service provider staff are operating in Three Rivers, trying to gain entry into homes and other premises, warns BXC.
BXC has urged the community to be on the alert for such underhand attempts to gain entry to homes and businesses for obvious criminal purposes, especially in Extension One, Three Rivers.
So far, three attempts this week have been reported in Extension One of men with at least two vehicles similar to BXC operational bakkies (Chevrolet bakkies) trying the deception tactic – but all three were refused entry after residents became suspicious.
The matter has been reported to Police, said BXC Project Manager Dawid Dirks.
Dirks added that genuine BXC personnel and their vehicles were clearly branded at all times and carried identification which had to be produced on demand by their staff.
“Residents should never give entry to anyone who cannot first prove that they are BXC staff – if in doubt please call our number on 016 100 6170 to verify personnel and their vehicles,” said Dirks.
Police should also be contacted immediately after any such attempt to gain entry by bogus BXC staff, he added.
BXC has been active in Three Rivers for several months reactivating smart meters and fixing broken street lights, of which more than 200 have been repaired in the area.
Smart meters will also now be reactivated in CE1 and SE3 in Vanderbijlpark and Dirks urged residents there to be on the alert for bogus attempts to either reactivate or install smart meters.
“Please be safe rather than sorry – call us first if there is any doubt or the circumstances seem strange – for example if the vehicles or staff are not branded or cannot produce the necessary ID tag.” said Dirks
