Warning over con men

POLICE have renewed their appeal to elderly people to remain vigilant after a spate of thefts by bogus callers.

Pensioners in Kirby Rise, Stowmarket, and Oakes Road, Green Road and Bishops Road, Bury St Edmunds, fell prey yesterday to callers claiming to be from the water and gas boards, with cash taken from three of the homes.

Houses in Ipswich were also targeted later in the day with a man claiming to be from the water board calling at a home in the town's Heath Lane at about 4pm, but he failed to get into the building.

Fifteen minutes later police received reports a man – described as white, aged in his early 20s and with short black hair – claiming to be from the gas board and trying to get into a house in Renfrew Road in Ipswich.

Three men also called at an address in Lindbergh Road, posing as gas men, got inside and stole cash. They were described as white, aged between 18 and 25 and with short, cropped hair.

The latest incidents come three days after two women, aged 76 and 86, fell prey to young bogus callers in Bury St Edmunds.

On that occasion, three callers – two of whom were aged between 10 and 14 - targeted homes in Ridley Way and Westgate Street on Tuesday.

They told the victims they were collecting cash for charity and made off with cash from Ridley Way, but fled empty-handed from Westgate Street.

Det Con Mike Blayney, of Suffolk police, said: "I would urge the elderly to be particularly vigilant if they receive any callers at their door – this is especially so if they have not made a prior appointment.

"Always check for photographic identification. If you have any concerns or doubts about the caller, do not let him inside your home."

Anyone with information about bogus callers should contact Suffolk police on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.