Phone tampering inquiry started

An investigation has been launched into attempts to transfer public phone calls made to Luton Borough Council to non-council numbers.

The council and police believe it could be an attempt to get the personal details of callers to defraud them.

They urged people who rang on 23 and 24 December to check the council's website or to call 0800 731 5397.

The unauthorised transfers came to light after the council noticed a sudden drop in calls.

Councillor Robin Harris, deputy leader of Luton Borough Council said: "We noticed that despite the festive period, there was an unusual reduction in calls and following a system check and discussion with BT, we found that some of the incoming lines had been transferred to other numbers without our authorisation."

The council has urged anyone concerned they could be affected to make contact so their details will be passed to the police.

Julie Cox from Bedfordshire police said: "It is a criminal offence to tamper with phone lines.

"It is possible callers were asked for personal details but until they use the freephone number and report exactly what happened we will not be able to gauge exactly what criminality has occurred."