Warning on bogus callers

Police have issued a warning to elderly people in the Cannock and Stafford area to be on their guard against bogus callers.

Chase division spokeswoman Emma Stanley said there had been several recent incidents of suspicious callers visiting homes of elderly residents across the area.

She said officers were urging people to adopt crime prevention advice. "We would urge anyone receiving a knock at their front door to remember the Stop, Chain, Check system," she said.

"Stop and think – if you're not expecting a caller and they don't have an appointment – don't let them into your home. Chain – use the door chain before opening the front door.

"Check – ask to see identification and double-check this by calling the company they say they are representing on the specific numbers below, before letting anyone into your home."

Police have issued numbers for people to call to check for: British Gas meter readers, 0800 393499; British Gas sales reps, 0800 300100; BT staff, 0800 321999; Npower, 0800 0733355/0800 0730030; Powergen, 0800 0152221; Severn Trent Water, 0800 783 4444 and Transco gas staff, 0845 6056677.

Miss Stanley said that if people were in any doubt they should call 999.

Last month Staffordshire Police launched the Nominate a Neighbour scheme to protect elderly people against bogus callers.

When someone unexpected arrives at the door, householders can show a card through a window directing the caller to a neighbour's house. The nominated neighbour then supervises the visit.