POLICE are warning people to be on their guard against and bogus callers after a woman refused to allow an apparent conman into her home.

The woman, from Hemlington, Middlesbrough, was at home at about 1pm yesterday, Thursday, May 2 when a man came to her door saying he was from an electric company and needed to read the meter.

She refused and contacted her electric company who said they had no reports of sending anyone.

Crime Prevention Officer Steve Cranston said: “I can’t stress enough that people need to remain cautious when opening their door to strangers, particularly when they say they are selling something or are from a utility company.

“Don’t let anyone into the home without a prior appointment, close the door and check with your service provider as to whether they have sent someone and check identification. If in doubt, say no.

“If doorstep callers say that they can see work needs doing on a house, close the door, speak to family or friends and if you feel the work needs doing get quotes from three separate businesses.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cleveland Police on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.