PORT ANGELES — A police alert was issued after two men claiming to be city utility employees tried to enter a house on the 800 block of West Seventh Street last week.
Men wearing neon traffic vests with white T-shirts and jeans entered the yard at about 1:15 p.m. Thursday, police said.
One asked to enter the residence and reportedly pushed on the door, police said.
“The homeowner asked for identification,” according to the alert.
“Both subjects stated they did not have identification.”
Two responding officers could not locate the men Thursday.
Deputy Chief of Police Jason Viada emphasized that city employees would not try to enter a private home.
“All the work that city crews do, whether it’s reading meters, fixing the sidewalks, paving the streets or picking up the garbage, that all occurs outside of people’s homes,” Viada said in a Friday interview.
“They do not need to go into anyone’s house to do that work.”
City employees who check utility meters wear orange vests with the words “City of Port Angeles” written on the back and display city identification cards on the front, police said.
City meter readers drive white city vehicles that display the Port Angeles seal on both front doors.
Viada encouraged residents to call 9-1-1 if someone tries to enter their home.
“That’s definitely a 9-1-1 call,” Viada said.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56450, or at rollikainen@ peninsuladailynews.com.