Anchorage police say a group of contractors in local neighborhoods reported as suspicious are legitimate, after officers made contact with them Tuesday. Another Anchorage resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said Monday on Facebook that she had recently seen a similar group driving a black Volkswagen Golf near 72nd Avenue and Lake Otis Parkway. The poster shared photos of the Golf including its license-plate number, which she said she had relayed to police.
Police Capt. None of the reports to date have included actual burglaries. So that further supports the suspiciousness of the activity, because someone in a utility role would happily present their ID and would happily go through the steps necessary to make sure that they were identified appropriately.
Although people should feel free to report suspicious contractors to police and challenge them in person, Fisher urged residents not to engage them with firearms as some online commenters have suggested. It can make the problem much worse. Fisher credited callers with providing police extensive imagery and descriptions of the people involved.
Police have posted a list of tips on how to identify authentic workers in potentially suspicious situations. Real contractors or utility workers should show identification upon request, travel in marked vehicles and be verifiable by calling their companies or utilities. Fisher asks that anyone with photos or video of similar people or their vehicles call police at Search Query Show Search.
PBS Shows. Show Search Search Query. Play Live Radio. Next Up:. Live Radio. Latest News. Twitter LinkedIn Email. Chris Klint. Chris Klint is a web producer and breaking news reporter at Alaska Public Media.
