Don't fall foul of Middlewich's crafty imposters (From Warrington Guardian)

Don't fall foul of Middlewich's crafty imposters

RESIDENTS are being urged to stay on their guard against crafty callers after a bogus housing official targeted a New King Street home in Middlewich.

The imposter attempted to gain entry into a pensioner's bungalow on Tuesday, June 1, at around 3.40pm, after knocking on the door and claiming he had been sent by the council to cut the trees.

Fortunately, the resident became suspicious and quickly contacted Dane Housing to verify his story. The man made off empty-handed.

A Cheshire Police spokesman said: "If anyone gets a knock at the door from a stranger they weren't expecting they should be on their guard.

"They should keep the chain on the door, ask for identification and even look up the number and contact the company the person claims to be from to check their story.

"Don't just take for granted that the caller is from an authority because they are wearing a florescent jacket with a motif on.

"A real company representative won't mind in the least if they are checked for ID.

"Criminals will use every trick in the book to get past the door.

"Some say they're from the water board and they ask to check their water supply, others keep residents talking at the front door while their associate gains entry through the back door.

"If people look out for the signs and ask the right questions they will spot they are being conned.

"If someone does suspect they have turned away a bogus caller they should get as much detail as they can. What was the caller wearing, what did they look like, were they in a car, what was the registration number and colour?

"The more details a person can provide us with the better."

If anyone has details about the Middlewich incident or if they feel they have been targeted in a similar way, contact the police on 01606 48000.

l Home Watch schemes operate in many areas of mid Cheshire.

Members keep an eye out for each other and share information about criminal activity in the community in a bid to protect themselves from becoming a target.

Liz Biddle is the Home Watch officer for Congleton and Vale Royal.

Anyone interested in setting up a scheme should ring 01606 49000.

jdriscoll@guardiangrp.co.uk