Bogus Official Burglary - Newton Le Willows

Detectives in St.Helens are warning elderly residents and their neighbours to be on their guard against bogus officials following a distraction burglary in Newton-le-Willows.

Officers are investigating an incident where a man knocked on an address on Billington Avenue at 11.30am on Monday (November, 5) claiming to be from the Water Board and needing to check the water pressure.

Once inside the man asked the householder, a 91-year-old man, to check something under the sink and it is thought that while he was doing that the offender, and another man who had entered the house, stole money from an upstairs bedroom.

The first man is described as white, 5ft 8in tall, with a slim build and short dark hair. He was aged between 40 and 50 and he was wearing a long sleeved dark jumper and dark trousers. He had a local accent.

The second man is described as slightly taller, with a large build and aged between his late 30s and early 40s. He was wearing a short grey coat and dark grey trousers.

DC John Black said: "It is despicable that these men have targeted a vulnerable member of society in this way and we are asking for help from the community in tracking them down.

"These men have been brazen in their approach and I would ask anyone who is approached in a similar way to contact the police.

"I would ask people to be on their guard against these kind of offenders, not opening the door to anyone they don't know, no matter how they are dressed, or where they say they are calling from, without putting on the chain and asking to see ID.

"Anyone from a bona fide organisation such as a utility company will happily wait outside while you check their credentials, phoning the company they say they are from first to check that they are genuine. If you have any doubts at all about any cold-caller who comes knocking, please don't let them in."

Anyone with information is asked to call detectives on 0151 777 6843 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The council's Safer Communities and Trading Standards teams have also joined forces with Merseyside Police, the Citizens Advice Bureau and security product supplier SmartWater to support National Consumer Week (12-19 November), which this year has Cold Calling - Don't Buy it as its theme.

Partner agencies will also be appearing at venues to warn people about answering their door to cold callers - and to encourage use of the council's Trader Register - which lists reputable traders across the borough. To see the full list go to www.sthelens.gov.uk/traderregister.

Free stickers will also be given out to residents at the events, to take home and display in windows and on front doors warning cold callers to leave and not return.

For more information please visit: /pages/cold-calling-dont-buy-it!/