Police are advising residents to be on their guard against bogus callers following an incident in Stone.
At some point on Saturday 4 February a man visited an address in Oulton Road. He rang the doorbell and the 88-year-old victim gave him access to the main door and went out to greet his visitor. On returning to his flat he found his wallet was missing and an unknown amount of cash had been taken.
The householder was unable to provide a description of the man.
Relatives and neighbours of elderly or vulnerable residents are asked to remind them not to let any uninvited callers into their homes.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact Staffordshire Police on 101, quoting incident 312 of Saturday 4 February.
Always reports 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, 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.
Residents are encouraged to contact the police if, and every time, they have suspicions about any caller to their door.
Even if someone claims to be an official – and that includes police officers and council representatives – people must 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 they are genuine, 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 out work on your home, or sell you anything when they cold call at the door. If you require work to be done INSTIGATE IT YOURSELF, by phoning three companies and asking for like for like quotes. Then decide.
Please remember, there is no such company as the Water Board, Gas Board or Electric Board. These words are only used by offenders, so be alert if they are used by anyone at your door.
