WARNING | Bogus caller targeting Southport residents

A message from the Southport Policing Team.

The following incident happened in Russell Avenue in Southport.

The victim was at home when he heard a knock at the door, he answered it and a male carrying a wooden tool box informed him that he was there to check the electricity meter, the victim
had recently had a smart meter fitted so thought he was there to check that so let him in to the address.

The victim led him to the meter and then left him to do his work for around ten minutes, he returned to see the male coming out of his bedroom, he never thought much of it and the male
then left.

The victim then checked his bedroom and discovered that his brown wallet containing £240 in cash and bank cards were taken.

The victim recalled seeing a white van- NFD- in the street ( cul-de-sac) when he answered the door to the suspect.

Crime Prevention Tips

It is always easy to say after an event “If only I had reacted in a different way”. Here are a few ideas that we should all try when dealing with strangers who visit our property supposedly
on official business.

• Always check a caller’s ID.
• Does the ID look genuine?
• Do not leave a stranger who calls alone in your house, stay with them until they have completed their task and then escort them from your premises
• Are you expecting a visit from the company they supposedly work for?
• Should you ring the company to check? Using your details of the company not theirs.
• Would it be advisable to ask them to make another appointment to visit you?
• If you have a service agreement the company should warn you in advance if a representative is calling.
• If in doubt keep them out.