February 22, 2010
Bogus Council Official Warning
Bedfordshire Police are warning residents in Dunstable to take extra care when letting people into their homes after an 86 year old pensioner was targeted by a bogus council worker.
The incident happened on Wednesday, February 10, when a resident of Spinney Crescent was duped into allowing a woman into her home after being shown a false identity card.
The woman said she had come to help the victim arrange to move to a smaller property and after walking around the home took the victim’s passport saying she would return it within 7 days. The victim contacted the police when the woman did not return.
PC Ashley Walker, investigating, would like to speak to anyone who may have also had a woman trying to gain access to their home that day and would also urge other residents in the town to be extra vigilant when unexpected visitors call.
He said: “These types of incidents are extremely frightening for the victims involved and I would urge other residents who live in this area to speak to the police and tell them if they saw any unusual vehicles or people that day.
“I would also like to remind residents that all police and council staff carry identity cards and a bona fide member of any organisation will be happy for you to check their credentials before you let them in to your home.”
Here are some helpful tips to help you stay safe in your home:
- Always use a door chain or spy-hole to check who is calling before you open the door. Shut and lock the back door before you open the front – these offenders often work in pairs.
- All police officers, council officers and utility staff carry ID cards. Make them show the card, and then use the number in the phone book to call the relevant organisation and check that they are a genuine member of staff. Make sure they wait outside while you do this.
- Always stay with the caller while they are in your home. You should be suspicious if they want to look round on their own.
- Never show anyone where you keep valuables. Do not keep large amounts of money in the house – even if you think it is well hidden.
- If you are at all suspicious of the caller, DO NOT LET THEM IN. Lock the door and call the police.
- Consider becoming a member of the Nominated Neighbour Scheme and show the unexpected visitor your nominated neighbour card.
If you have information relating to this incident or if you want crime reduction advice you can contact Bedfordshire Police on 01234 841212, or text your message to 07786 200011, or you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
