Don't be fooled at Yule

21/12/2006

A utility company is urging customers to be vigilant during the festive season to stop the flow of bogus caller crime.

Bogus callers, who claim to be from Northumbrian Water but who are only interested in stealing from customers’ properties, are known to operate in company’s supply area from Berwick down to North Yorkshire and across to the Pennines.

The water company has some advice to help protect elderly and vulnerable customers’ health and homes from these callous conmen.

• It is very unlikely that Northumbrian Water will need to get into a customer’s home without arranging it with the customer first.
• Make sure front and back doors are locked at all times.
• Look for the blue and green Northumbrian Water logo on vehicles and clothing.
• Examine the caller’s identity card closely – all Northumbrian Water employees carry an identity card.
• Door chains should be used while checking the caller’s identity or speak to them through a locked door.  Accept the identity card through the letterbox.
• A genuine Northumbrian Water caller will not mind waiting while these checks are carried out.
• The identity of a Northumbrian Water employee can be confirmed by calling the water company’s contact centre on 0845 717 1100.

Cara Hall from Northumbrian Water said:  “Our advice will hopefully prevent customers being affected by bogus caller crime which can cause so much distress.  If in doubt – keep them out!

“Customers can also register a password with us.  Anyone from Northumbrian Water needing to gain access into a customer’s home will know this word and use it on request.  To register a password, customers can either ring our customer centre or log onto www.nwl.co.uk.”

Cleveland Police’s detective sergeant, Gregg Swinnerton, said:  “There have been a number of bogus callers in the area recently preying on the elderly.  Our advice is NEVER entertain cold callers and ALWAYS use a door chain when answering the door.”

Durham Constabulary’s detective superintendent, Neil Malkin, said:  “Bogus callers are heartless thieves who give absolutely no thought for their victims or the distress they leave behind.  If anyone has any suspicions about uninvited callers they should not hesitate to contact the police.  An early call enables us to give the quickest and most appropriate response.”

Northumbria Police’s crime prevention officer, PC Brian Stobbs, said:  “Our advice always is not to let anyone into your home unless the caller can prove they are legitimate.  People who are genuine representatives of organisations carry identification cards and will provide telephone numbers that householders can ring to confirm their identity.”