Police update after cold caller reports
OFFICERS HAVE CARRIED OUT ENQUIRIES
HUMBERSIDE Police have issued an update after the force received a number of calls earlier this week about possible bogus energy meter readers targeting residents in Bransholme and Preston Road.
Residents reported a number of individuals canvassing in both areas in Hull
In some of these cold calls, the door knockers claim to be there to read the gas meter. But they do not wear any uniforms of the local gas suppliers.
After enquiries, police have established that the door knocking was from a legitimate data collection company on behalf of a large energy supplier.
Due to the concern caused, the company has stopped its activities in Bransholme and Preston Road.
A Humberside Police spokeswoman said: “We have received a number of calls in the past couple of days from concerned residents of Bransholme and Preston Road.
“The callers reported what they believed to be ‘bogus’ energy meter readers in the area.
“We have conducted enquires and can now reassure residents that a data collection company was conducting door to door canvassing on behalf of a large energy supplier.
“Due to the concern caused they have now ceased canvassing in the area.
“We would like to take this opportunity to remind our communities to check the identity of anyone who calls at their home. Do not let cold-callers enter your home unless you’re sure they are who they say they are.
“If you are unsure of their proof of identification then you should contact the company they are representing to check they are legitimate. If anyone is intimidated or concerned about someone calling at their home please call our non-emergency number 101.
“We would also advise that you don’t open the door to strangers, or to anyone who cannot provide valid ID.
“Avoid buying goods from doorstep sellers - the quality of the goods cannot be guaranteed and if there’s a problem with the item, it’s likely you’ll have no means of obtaining a refund.”
Maddie, not her real name, shared a video clip of one man claiming to seek access to her house to read her gas and electricity meters and said: “My gas meter is outside so they don’t need access to the house.
“It’s concerning why they are trying to get into our house, it’s just scary. They haven’t got ID and are not in uniform.”
Reports of gas and electricity cold callers had been extensive in a Bransholme Facebook community group since Tuesday evening.
A Northern Gas Networks spokeswoman, the network supplier to Bransholme, said: “All our engineers wear branded PPE and carry ID badges which are visible at all times.
“Customers can call our Customer Care team on 0800 040 7766 option 3 to verify an engineer’s identity if they are unsure.”