Police have warned people to be on their guard after a bogus caller targeted a 91-year-old woman in Stone.
The warning has been issued after an incident in Eccleshall Road in the town on Thursday 15th December.
At around 8pm a man entered the home of a 91-year-old woman claiming he needed to check the quality of the water. While in her house it’s believed that he made a search but left empty handed.
The offender is described as white, aged 22 to 23, 5ft 2ins tall with black hair. He was smartly dressed in a black leather jacket and spoke with a local accent.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact DC Sally Dean at Staffordshire Police on 101 quoting incident 740 of December 15, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Residents are encouraged to contact police if and every time they have suspicions about any caller at their door.
Even if someone claims to be an official – and that includes police officers and council representatives – people should get their ID checked out.
Residents are asked to remain vigilant at all times and to follow this advice:
Never trust anyone calling at the door without a prior appointment. Should you receive such a call leave the door locked. The caller will hear you through the door when you ask them who they are. If they state they are from a utilities company ask for your account number, they should have this, if not, do not let them in and tell them to leave, and that you are calling the police
Always ask for ID – and check it
Do not allow anyone to carry work out on your home, or sell you anything when they cold call at the door. If you do require work to be done, INSTIGATE IT YOURSELF, by phoning three companies asking for like for like quotes. Then decide
Do not keep large amounts of cash in your home, you may think that you have the perfect hiding place, but these criminals will find it
Please remember there is no such company as the Water Board, Gas Board or Electric Board. These words are only used by offenders
Always report any suspicious behaviour to the police, if you think it is suspicious, it probably is
Keep your doors locked even when you are home.
Residents should also follow the stop, chain and check rule when people call at the door:
- STOP – If you are not expecting anybody and they don’t have an appointment – don’t let them in
- CHAIN – Use your door chain or bar before opening the door
- CHECK – Ask to see ID and double check this.
People can also use the Nominate a Neighbour (NAN) scheme which diverts cold callers to a neighbour who will check caller’s identity. NAN packs are available from local police stations.
