Police Tape - Photo: Andrew Rickman

Police Tape - Photo: Andrew Rickman

Residents in the Tamworth area are being warned to be on their guard against bogus callers.

The advice follows two suspicious incidents in which a man attempted to gain entry to properties claiming he needed to turn off the water supply.

The first incident took place in Cherry Street, The Leys, Tamworth, at around 9.20pm on Thursday, December 3.

The bogus official told the female occupant there had been a burst water main and the supply needed to be turned off. The woman shut the door on him and he walked off.

The man is described as white, in his late late teens or early 20s, around 5ft 9in tall, of average build, and wore a dark blue deerstalker-type hat and dark clothing.

Officers are linking it with a similar incident on Deer Park Road, Fazeley, just before 9pm on  Tuesday December 8.

This time the caller claimed water was pouring out and he needed to access the supply. The elderly female occupant, who did not open the door to him, told him to go away but was left shaken.

Residents are urged to contact police if they have suspicions about any caller at their door.

Even if someone claims to be an official – including 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 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 the 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.