Warning after bogus callers target residents

Kent Police is advising elderly residents to beware of bogus callers following two incidents in the Dover area.

Two men knocked on the door of a house in Astor Avenue, Dover on 24 February 2015 claiming to be from the water board under the pretence that there was a water block further up the road. He told the 73-year-old resident that he needed to run her taps. He went into the kitchen and turned the water on. He stated they needed the water to run for a while until the blue dye comes through. Both men then left. A while later the victim noticed some property and money was missing and drawers had been opened.

The second incident occurred in Leyburne Road, Dover the same day.

A man knocked on the door and claimed to be from the water board. He told the 82-year-old victim he was an apprentice and his boss was working upstairs where they had a flood in another flat. The man asked to come in and drain off some water and he needed to put a blue dye in the system. The victim stayed with the man in the kitchen but heard his front door shut, where he saw the second man enter his flat. When the victim started questioning them where they were from, they both left.

Again, a while later he noticed drawers open in his bedroom and money gone.

One man is described as white, in his early 20s, large build, with fair hair. He was wearing dark clothing with jeans and boots and had a Scottish accent.

The second man is described as white, in his early 20s, wearing a dark woolly hat, dark clothing and with a Scottish accent.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Dennis Webster, said: "Most people who call at your home will be genuine. However, occasionally people may turn up unannounced and try to trick their way into your home to steal valuables or money.

"If you have concerns about anyone calling at your home, don't open the door and ask them to return when you have someone with you. Genuine callers won't mind.

"If anyone recognises the descriptions of these men, or you think you may have had them call at your door please get in touch."

Anyone with information should call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting reference ZY/5543/15 or ZY/5619/15.