Newcastle residents: “Be careful who you let into your home,” police urge

 

police crime

Police are urging people in Newcastle to beware of bogus doorstep callers and be careful who they let in their home. 

The warning comes after a number of incidents in the Lemington, Blakelaw, Cowgate, Fenham and Elswick areas reported to police over the last few days.

Officers have received reports of a man knocking at residents’ doors and offering things for sale like vacuum cleaners and alcohol.

On more than one occasion the offender has targeted elderly people and has been let inside their homes and stolen money.

Enquiries are ongoing into these offences and officers are looking to identify and arrest the man responsible.

Residents are being advised to be on their guard for bogus callers and take steps to avoid becoming a victim of doorstep crime.

Newcastle Acting Inspector Joanne Park-Simmons said: “It is often the case that these bogus callers use a story to be invited into a house and then try and distract the occupant with the intention of stealing money or anything on show.

“They tend to target those who may be the most vulnerable and we would ask anyone with elderly family or friends to ensure that they are made aware of people operating in the area under the guise of door to door sales.

“Our advice would be don’t let these people into the house, if they are genuine they will not mind waiting outside.

“If in any doubt ring police and we will come and assist”.

Anyone with any information into the offences is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 907 03/03/16

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