Bogus caller warning

The families of the elderly and vulnerable are also being encouraged to warn their relatives against opening the door to such callers.

The advice comes after a bogus official struck in Bank Street yesterday, Wednesday 25 January.

The offender called at the home of an elderly resident, between 10.30am and 11am , claiming to be from the council.

He stated he was there to cut back the hedge and replace some fencing free of charge. He entered the house to discuss the work and requested a cup of tea. While the victim was distracted the man stole a large amount of cash.

The man is described as white, aged 30 to 40, with fair to mid brown hair worn brushed back flat. He was 5ft 9 to 6ft tall with a slim to average build. He wore a 'grubby' dark blue three-quarter-length waterproof jacket which was zipped up and had an elasticated bottom, dark blue trousers and black shoes. He did not have any identification and no vehicle was seen.

An investigation into the incident is now underway by detectives, who are pursuing a number of lines of inquiry including extensive house-to-house enquiries and gathering CCTV footage from the locality.

Officers want to speak to anyone with information, or who saw suspicious persons and/or vehicles in the area prior to the incident.

Anyone with information on the incidents is asked to contact DC Nigel Powell at Staffordshire Police on 101 quoting incident 621 of 25 January, 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 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 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.