Surrey Police reminds homeowners 'If in doubt, keep them out'
Submitted: 09/03/2010 14:31:01
'If in doubt, keep them out'
Surrey Police are reminding members of the community to be aware of bogus callers in their area following of an incident in Felbridge last month.
Tandridge local officers are asking relatives, friends, and neighbours to remain vigilant for anyone attempting to con their way into the homes of the vulnerable and elderly.
The incident occurred on Monday, 22 February, when a man claiming to be a bank courier contacted a 76 year-old man under the pretence of collecting his old bank card in order for his new card to be issued and delivered. The suspect said it was new bank procedures for issuing cards.
The suspect arranged to collect the card from the victim’s home address later that day and issued a receipt that the victim was asked to sign. The courier then handed the elderly gentleman an envelope with the alleged replacement card inside. The victim later found that the new card was a fake and duly cancelled his original bank card. He was then informed that his security details had been altered and more than £4,000 had been withdrawn from his account.
The suspect is described as an Asian man, approximately 5ft 7” tall, small/slight build, and dark hair.
Investigating Officer, Detective Constable Jamie Keech said: “This is a despicable crime, preying on the trust of elderly people is appalling. The elderly gentleman gave his bank card in good faith to what he assumed was a bank official. The whole set up of the scam was plausible to the victim and it cost him his savings.
“I would ask the Tandridge community to play their part and come forward with any information relating to this incident. I would also urge members of the public to watch out for anyone calling friends and family to double check there credentials or perhaps challenge someone you don’t recognise calling at an elderly neighbour’s house. By working together we can ensure vulnerable members of our community are safe and those who prey on them are locked up.”
These simple steps will help reduce the possibility of being tricked by bogus callers.
● Before opening your door, check who is there and put the chain on
● If they are strangers, be sure to ask ‘Who are you? What do you want?’
● Always ask to see their identity card. Keep the chain on the door and check it carefully
● Take a note of the company, name and telephone number. If in doubt, phone the company and check. Genuine staff from utility companies won’t mind waiting or will call back later
● The golden rule is ‘if in doubt, keep them out’. If you are at all concerned, call 999 immediately.
Call 0845 125 2222 for all non-emergency policing matters.
Call 999 if you have a genuine emergency requiring the attendance of the police (eg a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger).
Call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you have information about crime and don't want to leave your name.
Ends SW/86/10
Contact Us
Call 0845 125 2222 for all non-emergency policing matters.
Call 999 if you have a genuine emergency requiring the attendance of the police (for example a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger).
Crimestoppers
If you have any information about a crime and don't want to leave your name you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.