Warning over doorstep scams

Police say pensioners who live alone are seen as easy targets

Norfolk Police have issued a warning to the elderly about cold callers after a spate of burglaries and scams in the county.

An 85-year-old Norwich man was visited at home by two men on Friday who said they were Anglian Water Board officials checking on a problem with water discoloration.

When they gained entry, they then stole money from his house.

Police said bogus callers, tradesmen, and builders also specifically target the elderly and they have asked residents to be very cautious about people calling at their door uninvited to carry out any type of work.

The current favourite projects used by scammers are installation of plastic cladding, soffits, bargeboards and guttering, although they also have been known to offer to do garden and tarmac work or small building projects.

Call the police

Recently, three elderly residents in Downham Market became the victims of bogus callers and plastic cladding fitters have been touting for business in the King's Lynn area.

Police said they are seeking information on the two men who called on the Norwich man with the water board claims.

They are both described as white, about 5 ft 8 ins, and middle-aged, and they both wore navy blue boiler suits and had Scottish accents.

They left the area in a white car.

Anyone who believes they are the target of a bogus caller is asked to call the police immediately.