Warning to homeowners about bogus callers

According to South East Water, criminals who claim to be from a water company can use spells of hot weather to get into victims’ homes easily while doors and windows are open.

A spokesman for South East Water said: “The thieves often work in pairs, so as one distracts the homeowner at one entrance, another sneaks in elsewhere.

“The advice is to check the identity of callers claiming to be from a water company and never let anyone inside unless certain they are genuine.

“Be vigilant as to who may be on your property and secure other entrances before answering the front door.

“Many bogus caller crimes are committed by criminals pretending to be from the ‘water board’ or who claim to be ‘a water inspector’.

“It is therefore important customers know what to do to check if people knocking on their doors are water company staff.

“Sometimes water company staff do have to make unplanned visits to customers’ properties, but will always be happy to wait while their credentials are checked. Employees will always show their photographic ID cards before asking to be let in.”

Advise being given to homeowners across the south includes:

Make sure your back door is always locked before going to the front door

If you have a door chain, put it on before you open the door

Check to see who is at the door by looking through a window or spy hole

Water company staff always wear a uniform with the company name on it

South East Water staff always carry an identity card with their photograph, name, company logo and telephone number on it

Look out for the South East Water logo on vans

Staff will always wait while customers check who they are by telephoning the bogus caller telephone line on 0333 000 2244

And if you are still suspicious then telephone the police.

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