Police: Look out for fake Bright House employees

Bradenton Police are currently investigating two separate incidents involving men who identify themselves to resident as Bright House Network employees and tell them they have come to conduct “quality service” or a “service call," according to a news release.

The first reported incident occurred at the Perico Apartments, 11000 Manatee Ave. W., at 9 p.m. Jan. 13. During this incident a man described as being in his 20’s, standing 5 feet, 7 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 150 to 170 pounds with black hair (short on the sides and back, thicker on top), and wearinga dark blue zip-up jacket and blue jeans, knocked on the apartment door and stated that he was Bright House, officials said.

The female resident, speaking through the door and observing through the peephole, requested to see the man's identification. He quickly turned and walked away. She confirmed then with Bright House that they had no technician in the area and was told to call the police.

The second incident occurred at a residence in the 6900 block of Heritage Lane at 8 p.m. Jan. 19. During this incident a man knocked on the door and told the female resident that he was with Bright House and was there for a service call. The man quickly fled when the female resident told him that they did not have Bright House service at the residence, according to police. No description of the man was provided.

Bradenton Police urged resident to use simple precautions to safe guard their lives and property. Police recommend that you conduct conversations with unknown visitors throug” a closed door or window. Demand to be shown official identification which includes a photo of the person. Contact the company or business represented by the person for verification of the visit.

If you have anyone posing as a Bright House employee or any other type of service provider who flees when confronted with identifying themselves, call 911 immediately. Without opening your door, try to get the best description possible and a direction and method of travel.

Anyone having information about these incidents can call Bradenton Police Department Detective Nasario Camacho at (941) 932-9312, the Bradenton Police Department at (941) 932-9300 or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000, call Crime Stoppers (toll free)at 1-866-634-8477 (TIPS) or send an anonymous eTip thru the Web at www.manateecrimestoppers.com.