Police: Man impersonating village worker tried to enter Palatine home

Palatine police are warning the public about an incident Sunday in which a man tried to gain access to a home on the 600 block of South Williams Drive by falsely claiming to be a village employee.

The man, who was wearing a lanyard with some type of ID attached, told the homeowner he needed to test the water from the kitchen sink for possible contamination, police said. When the homeowner refused to allow the man in, he tried to walk in. The resident yelled and pushed the man out then called police.

Police say a legitimate village worker would only come into your home if you had contacted the village and requested a visit, or in an emergency. Public works personnel drive clearly marked red trucks, wear shirts with "Palatine Public Works" displayed on the front, and carry an official identification that will be shown at the homeowner's request.

If you are ever in doubt, police say call 911 and allow them to verify the identity and purpose of someone at your door or on your property.