Reminder to be vigilant against bogus callers after Rolleston-on-Dove incident

Officers are reminding people to be vigilant against bogus callers after an incident where two men tried to gain entry to a property in Rolleston-on-Dove on Tuesday (8 June).

At about 3pm, two men knocked on the door of a property on Station Road. They asked the occupier if they could come in, vaguely stating they were there to provide work on the garden and tried to convince the occupier they were genuine by showing them a message on a mobile phone.

The owner refused them entry and they walked towards a silver Ford Focus as if to get in before walking off in another direction.

The men were both described as white and aged around their mid-20s, of slight build and medium height. One was wearing glasses and a sleeveless vest and the other was wearing a red top.

Residents are encouraged to contact police if and every time they have suspicions about any caller at their door.

Even if someone claims to be an official - and that includes police officers and council representatives - people must get their ID checked out.

Residents are asked to remain vigilant at all times and to follow this advice:

• Never trust anyone calling at the door without a prior appointment. Should you receive such a call leave the door locked. The caller will hear you through the door when you ask them who they are. If they state they are from a utilities company ask for your account number, they should have this. If not, do not let them in and tell them to leave, and that you are calling the police.
• Always ask for ID, and check it.
• Do not allow anyone to carry work out on your home, or sell you anything when they cold call at the door. If you do require work to be done, instigate it yourself by phoning three companies asking for like-for-like quotes. Then decide.
• Do not keep large amounts of cash in your home. You may think that you have the perfect hiding place, but these criminals will find it.
• Please remember there is no such company as the Water Board, Gas Board or Electric Board. These words are only used by offenders.
• Always report any suspicious behaviour to the police. If you think it is suspicious, it probably is.
• Keep your doors locked even when you are home.

Anyone with any information about the above incident or who saw men matching the description in the Rolleston-on-Dove area on Tuesday should message Staffordshire Police on Facebook or Twitter quoting incident number 533 of 8 June, call 101 or alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.