Bogus callers target elderly and vulnerable

POLICE ARE conducting extra patrols and visiting vulnerable residents to protect Selby against bogus callers and rogue traders.

The action follows a series of suspicious cold-calling incidents in the district, in which elderly and vulnerable residents have been targeted.

Officers are also urging residents to do their bit by making friends, family and neighbours aware of the dangers.

The latest of four examples given by police was on Friday, January 18, when a “bogus police officer” allegedly conned his way into an elderly couple’s home in Tadcaster.

Police have visited the couple a number of times to offer reassurance to them.

Inspector Martin Wedgwood, of Selby Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Distraction burglars and bogus callers take advantage of people’s trust in a callous way, and trick them out of money or steal from them. The impact that these criminals can have on their victims is devastating.”