News Release
Reminder after further bogus caller incident
Dated: 12 Jul 2012
Police are appealing for information after bogus caller incident in Sunderland.
It happened at 2.30pm yesterday, Wednesday, July 11, when a man claiming to be from an electricity company knocked on the door of an address in Brandling Street and claimed to need to check appliances in the property.
The occupant of the address let the man in who then searched the property. Nothing was stolen.
It has been established he was not from an electricity company and the incident is being treated as a bogus caller incident.
Neighbourhood Inspector Tony Carty, who covers the area, said: "We want to remind people to be on their guard for bogus callers and anyone who calls at their door unannounced.
"It may be that the caller is genuine, however, residents should always be cautious and our advice would be if someone calls at your door who you're not expecting don't let them in.
"If the caller is genuine they won't mind rearranging to come back at another time after you have had chance to check their identity and seek advice from relatives friends and neighbours."
Northumbria Police is currently reminding people not to be taken in by bogus callers as part of a doorstep crime campaign called 'If in doubt - keep them out!' The force is urging people to follow some simple steps:
If anyone calls who you are not expecting you should ask to see their identification and should never allow anyone into your home.
If the caller asks you to buy any service you should ask them to return, allowing you to seek advice from relatives, friends and neighbours before doing anything.
Anyone with any information into the incident is asked to contact police on 101 ext 69191 or alternatively Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.