Police warn Telford residents to be vigilant following bogus caller

At around 7pm the woman, who lives in Goodrich Close, received a knock to her door from a man claiming to be from the electricity company NPower.

The man, who is describe as black, of thin build, wearing a cream coloured suit, with short hair and wearing an earring, asked to see the woman’s electricity bill and showed her what appeared to be an identification card.

The woman became suspicious and closed her door, she called NPower who told her that they had no officials working in the area, the woman then called the police.

Community Support Officers visited the area and carried out a number of enquiries.

A Telford Police spokeswoman said: “Enquiries suggest that two men were in the area knocking on doors, claiming to be from various electricity companies.

“Officers searched the area but the individuals could not be traced.

“Fortunately residents in the area were vigilant and questioned the callers and asked to see identification.

“We commend this course of action and would like to take this opportunity to remind residents to be on their guard and to question callers to their door they deem suspicious.

“Always ask for identification and call the company they claim to be from if you are in doubt.”

The spokeswoman added: “Police take incidents of suspicious callers very seriously. As soon as we are made aware of such an incident, we alert all of the local partnerships and agencies including Neighbourhood Watch schemes, so that everybody is kept informed and that details such as descriptions of potential offenders are circulated.

“Local policing teams have recently been visiting communities and handing out crime prevention leaflets in relation to distraction burglaries, as well as giving advice verbally to residents.

“For more information please visit our website www.westmercia.police.uk or speak to a member of your local policing team.”