November 17, 2009
Beware Bogus Callers
Police in Luton are warning residents to be extra vigilant after receiving three reports of bogus callers in the area last night (Nov 16).
The first incident happened at 7.30pm in Kenneth Road when an 86 year old resident answered a knock at her front door. Two white men wearing a uniform told the victim they were police officers and they had just arrested two youths for burglary. They then followed the victim inside and took a large amount of cash.
The second incident happened at approximately 8.50pm at the property of an 85 year old resident from Williton Road. Two men called at the address and told the occupant they were police officers and tried to push through the door. The resident managed to stop them from gaining access and they left the scene empty handed.
The final incident happened at approximately 9.05pm when an 89 year old resident from Durham Road found a man in her kitchen. He told the resident he was a plain clothes detective and that she had been burgled. He then took a large amount of cash before leaving the property.
Glyn Price, Crime Reduction Officer for Luton, said: “I would like to remind people that the best way to deal with an unexpected visitor is not to let them in to your home at all no matter how believable their reasons for calling are. Contact the police straight away and we will be happy to check anyone’s credentials on your behalf. Any police officers calling at your home will have identification with them and will be happy for residents to contact the force to confirm their identify.
“I would also like to remind family, neighbours and carers of the elderly within our communities that they could also play a crucial role in helping the police combat these criminals and protect the elderly.
“Keeping an eye on people in the street, noting down registration numbers of unusual vehicles and reporting any suspicious activity quickly to the police can help stop other elderly residents becoming victims.”
If you live in Luton and would like some crime reduction advice you can contact Glyn Price or George Pugh, at Luton Police Station, on 01582 394032.
If you have information relating to these incidents you can contact Dc Sabina McMahon at Luton Police Station on 01582 394193, text your message to 07786 200011, or you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
