Police searching for thief posing as plumber, electrician
Great Falls police are searching for a man driving a black SUV and posing as an electrician or plumber in order to enter people's homes.
Media Relations Officer Jim Wells said the department has received two separate reports describing the same middle-aged man with a slim face, reddish-blonde hair, approximately 5-foot, 8-inches tall and weighing an estimated 160 pounds. The man is accused of stealing items, reportedly worth thousands of dollars, while inside unsuspecting residents' homes.
Wells said the man has arrived at the homes of two different elderly residents last week in Great Falls driving a GMC Sierra Denali-edition, or a large black pickup with a tonneau cover. He has successfully infiltrated two homes, according to police, one on the east side of Great Falls and another near the center of town.
On July 27, a resident reported the suspect came to their home claiming to be an electrician there to complete an inspection. The resident refused to let the man inside, however, he reportedly returned and entered the house without the homeowner's knowledge. The homeowners discovered the man and reportedly chased him out before anything was stolen.
The next day, another resident called police to report the man had come to the house claiming to be a plumber who needed to access her basement for something. The homeowner, an elderly woman, allowed the suspect inside but her son reportedly came to the house and began asking him questions.The man then reportedly became defensive and left the home. After he had gone, the homeowner reported thousands of dollars in items missing from her house.
"Don't let people into your home unless you know who they are," Wells said. "When in doubt, call us if you need to."
The decorative plate on the front end of the man's large black pickup is burnt orange and says "Saddle Up" instead of regular license numbers. The plates on the back end are covered, police said.
Residents can call 9-1-1 with information on the suspect.