A HOMEOWNER has today told of the frightening moment a stranger tried to force his way into her Felixstowe home.

Craig Robinson

A HOMEOWNER has today told of the frightening moment a stranger tried to force his way into her Felixstowe home.

A tall, slim man, believed to be in his 30s, wearing a brown hooded top knocked on the door of her property in the south of the town around 11pm on Tuesday asking for help.

Despite his persistence she was able to stop him entering her home but she admits she put herself in a vulnerable position.

The homeowner, who did not want to be named, said: “It was very unnerving.

“He said he needed help because he was drunk and didn't know where he was and asked me to call a taxi for him on his mobile phone.

“When people ask for help you think 'am I going to let them in' but something in the back of my mind told me 'no, not this time'. “He looked a bit shifty.

“I said I didn't know any taxi numbers and I heard him say my address into the phone - I didn't know who it was, it could have been an accomplice.

“I went to close the door and he tried to stop me but fortunately I managed to close it. I called upstairs to my partner and he came down to find out what was going on.

“I wish I hadn't opened the door at all - I should have looked out a window to see who it was. I put myself in a vulnerable position, if he had pushed the door into my face I would have been incapacitated and he could have walked right in.”

The woman's partner added: “I went outside to find out where he was and he was urinating on the side of the house. I shouted at him to go away.

“I said I was calling the police and he ran towards town. When the police arrived the same man had threatened three teenage girls walking back into the estate.”

A spokeswoman for Suffolk police urged people not to let strangers into their home and issued the following advice.

“Keep your front and back doors locked, even when at home,” she said. “Before you answer the door, stop and think if you are expecting anyone. Look through the spyhole or the window to see who it is.

“If you decide to open the door, put the door chain or bar on first.

“Check their details and identity before you let them into your home. If it is someone looking for help only go out to help if you have someone else with you.

“A genuine caller won't mind waiting if you want to phone and confirm their identity. If in doubt, keep them out, and telephone the police on 999.”