EARLY WARNINGS
Bogus water official in Shildon
We have just received a report from Age Concern of a 90 year old lady in Shildon who let in a bogus caller, yesterday am. He said he was from Northumbria Water. He looked around the kitchen and then left. Northumbria Water has been informed and they are investigating.
Incidents in Peterlee, South Hetton and Delves Lane
Message from Social Care and Health. Social Worker from Easington Promoting Independence
reports an incident involving a client in Peterlee. 3 or 4 men knocked on clients door and asked if
wanted jobs doing. Could be targeting her alone. Please be on look out. Police informed.
Message from District of Easington. Tall dark skinned gentleman in an small orange coloured pick up is calling at properties in the Frederick Terrace area of South Hetton this morning. He is asking residents to inspect trees in their properties to see if they want cutting. He is not saying he is from the council however when one resident told him her son-in-law worked on horticulture for the council he left pretty quickly.
Message from Adult and Community Services. Man selling - Delves Lane.
We have been alerted to a man with a van selling furniture and goods (possibly buying as well) going around houses in the Delves Lane area. An old gentleman has bought goods at an inflated price.
Sedgefield - Fishman Preying on Older Adults
Call from one of our team leaders to say a man selling fish had walked into a 94 year old client’s home in Sedgefield, unannounced, and tried to bully her into buying fish. She kept reiterating she did not eat fish to get rid of him and he eventually left.
Incidents Lanchester and Annfield Plain
Message from Social Services in Stanley. Report of Cold Callers in Lanchester who seem to be targeting older/vulnerable people. Also a bed company are offering free pillows if you buy a bed. Using high pressure sales. Beds very expensive. There has been another similar incident in Annfield Plain.
Incidents in Wheatley Hill, Wolsingham, Langley Park, Castleside in Consett
Mobile Phone Scam
Message from Easington Warden Services. Please warn clients to be aware. A gentleman at Bevan Crescent Wheatley Hill was conned by 2 bogus water board officials. Was asked to hold the tap and was robbed.
Home care company reports a bogus caller in Kings Way, Langley Park. A man in a white shirt, black trousers and driving a white van called upon a lady who sensibly didn’t take off the chain to the door when he claimed he was giving a free fireside rugs to OAPs and that she was to open the door so he could give her the free rug. Neighbours were not approached by this man.
Possible telephone scam
We have had a report from Age Concern that 3 people from Tantobie have had a very strange but similar telephone call. The caller was a young boy crying and asking the the person to press a number on their phone to help him. They have since been told that this goes to a premium charge call.
This has not been verified as yet but in the meantime please advise people to be cautious if asked to press any numbers during a telephone conversation with a stranger.
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