The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power urged customers Wednesday to treat utility workers with respect after two employees were threatened verbally and with a firearm while performing official duties at a Westside residence.
According to LADWP, the employees were attempting to perform a scheduled water shutoff when the incident occurred. The workers, who were unharmed, moved to a safe location and contacted LADWP Security and the Los Angeles Police Department.
LADWP officials said field crews regularly need access to private property to inspect utility equipment, read meters, perform maintenance and initiate or discontinue service.
“It’s a growing problem, and we want to communicate the importance of employee safety and treating our field employees and crews respectfully,” LADWP Director of Advanced Technologies Infrastructure Kevin Mount said in a statement. “It’s part of our regular course of business to access our equipment on private property.”
The utility noted that water and electric meters are the property of LADWP and the department retains the legal right to access, inspect, maintain or replace them when necessary.
Officials urged customers not to threaten or interfere with workers performing their duties and reminded residents they may ask employees for official identification or call LADWP to verify a visit if they have concerns about scammers or impostors.