BOGUS CALLER WARNING TO ELDERLY RESIDENTS
Police in Whitefield and Prestwich are urging residents to be extra careful after three burglaries involving bogus callers in the Whitefield (Frankton Road and Higher Lane) and Prestwich area (Albert Avenue).

The offender stated he was from the Council and needed to turn off taps in the property. Entry was allowed on this basis and whilst distracting the elderly occupants, the offender managed to steal an amount of cash.

Officers believe the same offenders have committed these three offences. One is described as a white male, fat, approximately 40 years of age, with a round face and wearing a dark coloured woolen hat, dark zipped fleece jacket and blue jeans. The other is described as a white male, approximately 30 years of age, with a thin dirty face and wearing a dark woolly hat and zipped fleece jacket.

Gaynor Mason, crime reduction advisor for Bury police said: “Don’t let anyone into your property if you are not expecting them to call. It’s a sad fact that some criminals impersonate officials to prey on vulnerable people and it’s extremely rare that a representative will call round unannounced.

“We would urge anyone who does have callers at the door to ask for identification. All official workers do carry identification and are pleased to show it. If you are still unsure then ring the company by looking up the number in the phone book. Any legitimate caller would be happy to wait while their credentials are being checked.

“People may feel embarrassed that they have become a victim of this type of crime but it’s important these crimes are reported, so we can investigate and catch the perpetrators.

“We would also ask anyone with elderly relatives, especially those that live alone, to make them aware of these crime prevention measures as they are more likely to be targeted.”

If anyone knows the identity of the offender they should contact the priority crime unit at Bury on 0161 856 8179 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.