Bogus callers bird call in Selby District
CRIME: Crime scene.
AN urgent plea for elderly residents in Selby and District to be extra vigilant and look out for bogus callers has again been voiced by concerned police officers.
A CID spokesman said a retired police woman living in the town had called into Selby Police station after reading of con men preying on the elderly in the Selby Times and she herself had been targeted by a bogus builder on February 8.
He said this type of crime was on the increase and vulnerable older people should check a visitor’s credentials before letting them into their homes.
He added: “Con men are deliberately targeting the elderly and claim a bird has flown into their roof and they need to take a look and get it out. Once inside a home they go into the loft and bring down lagging they have dipped into the water cistern before claiming lagging is damp and needs replacing. A typical quote of between £4,000 and £6,000 is given.
“Sometimes they speak to an accomplice on the telephone to legitimise themselves as a bona fide builder. This is all part of a con. If a neighbour or a victim feels they have been conned they should call us immediately on 101. Trading Standards are also involved in tracking these bogus callers down. We have had people in Selby, Riccall, Barlby, Osgodby and Cawood targeted. Be absolutely sure a doorstep caller is legitimate before letting them into the house.”
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Weather for Goole
Thursday 20 June 2013
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 12 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 11 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
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