Doorstoppers
Warning after bogus officials call at homes
DOOSTEP conmen targeted more than a dozen North-East pensioners in one afternoon.
Police warned people to be vigilant after bogus callers visited homes across County Durham on Wednesday.
They claimed to be either from the water board or the council and struck between 1pm and 4.30pm.
A 79-year-old woman from the Station Estate East, in Murton, lost £200, while an 85-year-old woman in Alpine Way, Tow Law, lost £35.
Police believe there is a connection between the incidents, which included five in Murton, two in Burnmoor and two in Tow Law.
A black car was seen at both Tow Law and Arlington Close, in Burnmoor.
Detective Inspector Kevin Langan said: "Some householders did exactly the right thing by challenging the callers to produce identification and asking them to wait outside. It certainly suggests we have a team or teams working in different locations in the force area."
The callers visited Wellfield Road and the Aged Miners Homes, both in Murton, Marigold Crescent, Burnmoor, Fernwood, in Sacriston, an isolated cottage at Toft Hill, Valley Grove, Lanchester and Espin Place, Tow Law.
The men seen in Tow Law were both in their mid-20s. One was slim with neat dark hair and wore a white, long-sleeved top with a navy blue logo. The other wore grey or beige coloured woolly hat and a thick jacket.
Anyone with information is asked to phone 0845-60-60-365 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-500-111.
8:47am Friday 4th May 2007
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