Police have sent out a warning to members of the public in North Shields following two incidents involving suspected bogus callers.
Officers were called at around 2pm yesterday (Monday, April) after a man purporting to be a roofer had attended two different addresses in Portland Gardens.
The man who drove a white transit van spoke to two elderly residents on the estate claiming that roofing work was needed on their properties. He then drove away after the residents refused to allow him to carry the work out.
Nothing was stolen but officers believe that the man was a bogus caller and have warned members of the local community to be on their guard.
North Shields Neighbourhood Inspector, Neil Armsworth, said: “We believe these two incidents are linked and that the suspect has targeted these addresses because of the vulnerability of the occupants.
“We want to warn people to be on guard against these type of offenders. You should never let cold callers come into your home if they turn up unannounced.
“We would also like to ask members of the community to look out for elderly or vulnerable neighbours who could be victims of this type of crime.”
Anyone with information about the incidents, or saw anything suspicious in the area at the time, is asked to contact police on 101 extension 69191 or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.