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Vancouver police are cautioning residents, after receiving a report that a man pretending to be a firefighter asked to enter someone’s home.
The incident took place on July 27th, when a man knocked on the door of a home near East 35th Avenue and Main Street claiming to be with the Vancouver Fire Department. The man said he was conducting safety inspections and looking for fire hazards.
He then told the homeowner that he required access to the entrances and exits of the home, including all entrances to the bedrooms. Initially, he was not given access, but returned later in the day and was then allowed inside the home by a relative. The relative escorted the fake firefighter through the house.
Left with a sinking feeling, the homeowner called City Hall the next day and he was informed that the Vancouver Fire Department does not conduct inspections of private homes unless requested to in advance by the homeowner.
Police were notified of the unusual situation and confirmed that the man claiming to be a firefighter did not work for the Vancouver Department, but was likely looking for an opportunity to steal something or inspect the home for a future theft.
Vancouver police are reminding residents that any emergency service personnel will always be able to properly identify themselves and provide the proper documentation.
“If a firefighter shows up at your door asking to enter your home, ask for proper identification,” said Constable Brian Montague. “If you still have concerns, call 3-1-1 to confirm who they are.”
Police are now looking for this fake firefighter. He is described as Caucasian, 6’ tall, medium build, and 170 to 180 pounds. The man also has short, curly, dirty-blonde hair and he was carrying a clipboard and wearing a navy blue t-shirt with the words ‘Fire Department’ on a logo above the left chest.
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