RESIDENTS in Kidderminster are being urged to be vigilant after a distraction burglary in the town between 1pm and 1.30pm on Friday.
The victim was visited by a man who was aged between 25 and 30, scruffy looking and wearing a high visibility jacket.
The bogus caller claimed to be from Severn Trent, adding he was there to check the water supply.
He told the victim to go to the bathroom and turn on the taps whilst he checks the ones in the kitchen.
After he left, the victim discovered that items were missing from their home.
Police issue advice
Following the incident, police have issued advice to people in a bid to prevent them too becoming victims and to let them know how to deal with unexpected cold callers.
When someone knocks on their door, people should check who it is through a window or peep hole. If it is not anyone they were expecting, they should not open the door.
This advice applies regardless of whatever uniform the caller appears to be wearing, the ID card they are carrying or however urgent their business claims to be.
Unexpected business callers should be told to leave and come back later at an agreed time when the person has someone else with you.
In the meantime, the callers credentials can be checked by calling the organisation they claim to represent. Do so by searching the company name and number online, or in the telephone book. As any number they might have given you could be for an accomplice of a potential offender.
Suspicious activity should be reported to police, no matter how small it may seen.
Anyone not comfortable contacting the police can call the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.
If people feel threatened or want to report a crime while it is in progress, they should always call 999.
