Council Warns of Hoax Intruders

Brisbane City Council is warning residents on Brisbane’s south side to beware of hoax callers posing as Council officers or contractors, who are attempting to gain access to people’s homes.

A number of fake visits have been made on homes in the Upper Mount Gravatt area, where a man, with a measuring wheel and clipboard, has demanded entry claiming to have the authority to inspect the insulation in people’s roofs.

Environment, Parks and Sustainability Chair Peter Matic said this was a serious concern, when people were exploiting the current environment of Federal, State Government and Local Government sustainability audits and rebates.

“This is a totally unacceptable trend to have to contend with this behaviour when as a city we’re trying to tackle a major threat to our environmental future,” Cr Matic said.

Cr Matic said he wanted to make it clear to people Council did not have responsibility for roof insulation and was not undertaking insulation inspections.

“Insulation is not checked by Council and with the State’s ClimateSmart Home Service, residents need to be signed up to the program prior to any home visits, which are arranged with the owners,” he said.

“Council officers do not have the power to enter properties and will always have the appropriate ID – which I understand this impostor didn’t have.”

Council offers Brisbane ratepayers a $50 discount off the full cost of the Climate Smart service making it free of charge.

Under Climate Smart, residents get an energy audit, a smart meter, an energy and water management plan, compact-fluorescent lights and water efficient showerheads.

Cr Matic advised people to take the details of hoaxers and forward them to Council’s Call Centre Liaison Team on 3403 8888 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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November 18, 2009