Information on Loughborough

Elderly couple challenge bogus callers

Posted on 29/07/2009

police,constabulary,leicestershire police Elderly couple challenge bogus callers

An elderly couple have been praised by police for challenging bogus callers.

The incident happened at around 8.30pm on Monday, July 27 in Gillbank Drive, Ratby, when they answered their door to two men claiming to be from the emergency services and needed to turn on their taps.

The couple challenged the suspects and asked them for identification. When they failed to produce it they called the police. The suspects then left.

Nothing was taken in the incident.

Inspector Marc Simons, from the south area community safety bureau said: “This couple did exactly the right thing in challenging the callers and asking them to produce ID. They suspected their reason for being there was not true and challenged them over it, before calling the police.

“They have followed very simple crime prevention advice, and by doing this they have prevented themselves from becoming victims of crime.

“It is important to stress that all genuine callers will not mind you asking to check their ID and most will be happy to make an appointment to return at a later date.

“Distraction burglars, or bogus callers, will try to mislead you or distract your attention to get into your home and steal your money or valuables.

“You should try to use a door chain or spy hole to help check who the caller is before opening. If you have any doubts, call the police.”

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Leicestershire Police on 0116 222 2222 and ask to speak to Hinckley Local Policing Unit.

SH/4812/09-8