Police: Beware phony repairmen

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. - Sandy Springs Police warn residents of phony repairmen knocking on people's doors at local apartments, and to beware of who you allow into your home.

Authorities said two phony maintenance men are responsible for a robbery, after they knocked on the door of a Cascade at Morgan Falls apartment unit on Spring Creek Lane. Despite no service call, the residents invited the so-called workers inside.

The robbers, wearing "Georgia Service Techs LLC" shirts, and even carrying a Home Depot bucket, said they needed to check on a water leak of an adjoining apartment.

The robbers pretended to perform maintenance work inside a closet, then brandished their weapons and stole electronics, cash, and even marijuana.

After the victims reported the robbery, the individuals faced charges ranging from possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, to disorderly conduct related to drugs in the home. Police are not sure if these victims were targeted because of drug-related activity.

However, police are looking into a burglary of another victim less than 3 miles away at the Aspire Dunwoody Apartments, after he reported that maintenance workers insisted on inspecting a roof leak inside his unit.

The victim told FOX 5 News off-camera, two maintenance workers without official apartment uniforms knocked on his door, despite no service call. He said they inspected the attic area, and promised they would return, but never did; the police report said his apartment was ransacked two weeks later.

The victim said the approach used by suspects in the robbery sounded very similar to his case, but he is checking the possibility maintenance workers left his door open during a service check that day, and left it subject to burglars.

Police are looking to see if the two crimes are connected, and if the same perpetrators are involved.