Town hall bosses issue warning over bogus callers
TOWN hall chiefs are urging residents to be vigilant after a spate of distraction burglaries across Rochdale.
Several reports have been made about con men claiming to be from organisations, including the council, requesting access to people’s homes before stealing from residents once inside.
In one of the scams a man, described as in his late 40s, claimed he was a pest control officer and was dealing with a rat problem.
He then entered the property and stole from an elderly lady.
Another was committed by two offenders, one described as a white male in his 20s, who distracted the victim by saying he had come to measure up his back yard, while the other went upstairs and stole a large sum of money.
Council bosses are now urging residents to ask to see ID from cold callers before allowing them into their homes.
Nicola Rogers, the council’s public protection service manager, said: “Although many cold callers are legitimate salesman, it is a common way for rogue traders and burglars to scam unsuspecting customers and gain access to their homes.
“There are ways people can protect themselves from falling foul of these crimes such as asking to see identification, checking with the organisation if the caller is genuine and making sure to lock their doors.
“Scams such as these often prey on vulnerable or elderly people so make sure your loved ones are fully informed.”
Residents who believe they may have been a victim of doorstep crime or other scams should contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506 or visitcitizensadvice.org.uk to report it.
Threats of physical violence on the doorstep should be reported to the police on 101.