POLICE in Stockton are warning elderly residents to be on their guard against bogus water company officials operating in the district.
The majority of calls have been made between 4.30pm and 7pm. Cash has been stolen, along with watches, purses, briefcases and credit cards.
Once they have gained entry by claiming to be from a water company, they distract the elderly person or ask them to go into another room, while they search for property.
As part of the theft, they ask if the occupier can change £20. This gives them the opportunity to see where the occupant keeps their cash.
This theft has been operated in the Roseworth, Hartburn and Bright Street areas of Stockton. On each occasion the bogus official has arrived and left by car.
Detective Inspector Stewart Swinson, of Stockton CID, said: "These bogus callers will target the elderly and infirm and appear very plausible.
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