Roadshow events to be held in Northamptonshire to provide tips against bogus callers

Roadshow events will be held in Nothamptonshire this week to provide tips on how to avoid bogus callers

Anglian Water and Northamptonshire Police have joined forces to take part in events in Wellingborough town centre on Wednesday, August 10 between 9am and 3pm, and in Northampton town centre on Friday, August 12 between 11am and 3pm.

Sarah Dobson, from Anglian Water, said: “Unfortunately, we hear of cases of people targeting vulnerable or elderly customers. All too often bogus callers will claim to be from the “water board” – even though this organisation hasn’t existed for nearly 30 years.

“We want all of our customers to feel safe in their own home which is why it’s important they know what to expect from a real Anglian Water employee. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Northamptonshire Police to produce a video showing customers what they can expect from a genuine employee.

“All of our employees carry an ID card and will be happy to hand it to a customer. If a customer has any doubts or can’t remember making an appointment then it’s best to say no and close the door – a genuine employee will be happy to come back at a different time or wait while you check they are who they say they are.

Ms Dobson said customers in any doubt should close the door and phone Anglian Water, for free, on 0800 145 145.

Paul Golley, Prevention Team Leader in the joint Prevention and Community Protection Department (Northamptonshire Police and Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service), said he was hoping the roadshow events would help boost awareness of some of the ways in which the community can keep themselves safe from bogus callers.

He said: “I would urge people to always remember not to open their door if they are unsure who is behind it. Genuine callers will be happy for enquiries to be made to verify their identity. There are measures people can take to help identify callers, such as fitting spy-holes in a door.

“It is also advisable to make sure back doors are always locked and to make sure large sums of money are not kept in the house. Lastly, I would like to remind people to look out for those who are particularly vulnerable to this type of crime in their own families and neighbourhoods.”