Police warn against bogus callers in Hampshire

- Wed 20th Feb 2008

Police are issuing a warning to vulnerable residents across Hampshire after a series of incidents involving bogus callers.

On Wednesday, February 13, three addresses were visited by a man claiming to be from the water board, saying that he needed to check the pipes having burst a water main during works on a property nearby.

The man who came to the door carried no identification, and was described on each occasion as being white, average height, aged in his early 20s, clean shaven with short brown hair.

The homes were in East Cosham Road in Portsmouth, Old Mill Way in Southampton, and Matthews Close in Havant. Two hundred pounds was taken from the house in Havant.

Officers are warning against letting people into your property without checking for identification. Detective Sergeant Bryan Carter said, “This kind of incident often takes place at the homes of older or vulnerable people who may live alone, and it is important to safeguard yourself and your property.

“I would advise people to use a chain on the door or similar if you have one, and despite what the visitor says, if you are not expecting them and they cannot produce any form of identification, do not let them in. Take a few minutes and call the company they are from if necessary to check the authenticity of what they say, and ask them to wait on the doorstep. It is always better to check and be sure before letting a stranger into your home.”

By forum user, Mat

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