CPS Energy reports theft of 100 uniform jackets

Spokeswoman: Jackets could be worn by criminals to gain access to customers' homes

SAN ANTONIO – CPS Energy officials are reporting the theft of 100 jackets -- complete with logos -- from the utility's vendor warehouse.

The orange and blue rain slickers were stolen from the warehouse on Aug. 13. They all have round, blue CPS Energy logos on the back.

CPS Energy officials said their primary concern is that their property is in the wrong hands and that the jackets could be worn by criminals to make their way into customers' homes.

CPS Energy spokeswoman Yvonne Casanova said it is especially concerning given the number of calls about fraudulent activity during the last year, with scammers posing as workers either on the phone or in person.

Casanova advised customers to ask repairmen to show an ID, should any CPS Energy worker come to their door without an appointment.

"We want people to just keep being vigilant with anybody who poses as a CPS Energy employee," Casanova said. "We have a lot of employees out in the field on a day-to-day basis, but we also have been having a lot of calls of fraud."

CPS is offering a reward of $2,500 to anyone who turns those jackets in.

If you have information, you are asked to call 353-4000. Casanova said that is the same number customers can call if they have questions about whether or not an employee is legit.