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Police warn of scam
ELDERLY and vulnerable members of the community are being targeted by criminals who claim to be from a utility board to gain access to their homes and steal from them.
There is growing concern about this type of crime despite incidents reducing at a local and national level over the past six years, according to Humberside Police.
And the police are keen to make people aware of the tactic being used by criminals in an effort to prevent people in the Driffield area falling foul.
Superintendent Phil Walker, of Humberside Police, who sits on the national ACPO burglary working group, said: “Distraction burglars are active nationally and up and down the country elderly residents are being targeted by these people and all too often they are tricking their way into homes to steal.
“There are some straightforward steps that people can take to ensure these offenders do not get allowed access to their homes but ultimately, the message is ‘Not sure? Don’t open the door’.
“There is also a responsibility for family, friends and neighbours to be vigilant and keep their eyes and ears open to help keep the more vulnerable members of our society safe.”
Superintendant Walker has asked anyone who sees or hears of people calling at addresses, acting suspiciously, trying to gain access to homes while claiming to be from a utility board to report it to the police.
“Distraction offenders frequently claim to be from the gas, electricity or waterboards and use the term ‘board’. But these companies are no longer referred to as a board and this is a phrase that people should look out for by way of identifying a potential offender,” he added.
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Weather for Driffield
Thursday 17 May 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 7 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 8 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 25 mph
Wind direction: East
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