The Stone Local Policing team have asked Stone residents to be on their guard after reports of a bogus male housing officer in the area.
Utilising the Staffordshire Smart Alert system Gareth Higgins PCSO for South West Stone, Eccleshall & Swynnerton has issued the following notice:
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We have received reports of a male impersonating to be a housing officer. This male has arranged a meeting over the phone with the tenant, to carry out essential works inside the property. The male has then claimed that if the tenant doesn’t allow access into the property, they will be fined.
*Always check identification before letting anyone into your property*
**See below crime prevention advice**
– If you are not sure who is at your door, do not open it or let anyone into your home.
– Always put the chain on before you open the door. However, only put on your door chain as you answer the door, do not keep it on all the time as this could delay your exit in the case of a fire.
– Check the identity of the caller by calling the company they claim to be from. Use the numbers listed in the phone book or on a bill. Do not use any phone numbers provided by the caller, they may be bogus.
– Genuine callers won’t mind making an appointment for a date when you can have someone with you. This gives you time to check their identity too. Remember, if the caller refuses to give details or does not show what you believe is a genuine ID card, do not let them in and call the police straight away on ‘999’ – Emergency or ‘101’ Non-Emergency.
– Keep doors locked and windows secure at all times.
