Police warning over Hexham bogus repair men

Posted by The Journal on Feb 26, 09 10:04 AM in News

Police in Northumberland are advising householders to be aware of bogus callers following a report of two men travelling around the Hexham area offering apparently unnecessary household repairs.

The men are believed to be using a white Renault Traffic van.

One of the men is described as being about 30 years old with an Irish accent, 5ft 9ins, of slim build, with short, fair hair, a beard and moustache.

These men are suspected of having been involved in suspicious incidents in Northumbria and other force areas across the country.

Detective Chief Inspector Rob Coulson of Northumberland Area Command said: "We would urge anyone who has had a call from men of this description or experienced any suspicious incident to contact their local police and report it."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 03456 043 043.

Police advise residents to follow these simple crime prevention tips:

Fit a door chain and viewer;
Keep an eye on visitors at all times;
Check their identity cards, which should include a photograph of the caller and details of the company;
Ask the caller to come back so you can ask someone to be with you;
Keep a checklist of useful telephone numbers, such as the local authority and police, and account numbers for electricity, gas and water;
Try not to keep sums of cash at home.

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