Doorstep Con Trick Warning

Residents warned about doorstep con tricks

Cheshire East Council's trading standards officers and Cheshire Constabulary are warning residents to beware of scams after a series of incidents in the Crewe area.

A woman has called on elderly residents claiming to be a LifeLine alarms repairer. But once inside their homes she stole personal items.

The offender is white, aged mid-30s to early 40s, with slim to proportionate build and dark shoulder-length hair. She was smartly dressed and wore a lanyard with a fake identification badge.

DC Simon Gidman from Crewe CID said: "An investigation in relation to all three incidents has now been launched and we are keen to hear from anyone who may be able to assist with our enquiries.

"We would also like to remind all residents who use LifeLine equipment that the company will not attend your address without making a prior appointment."

Anyone with any information which could assist with enquiries is urged to contact the police on 101 quoting incident CC15162466, alternatively information can be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

In an unrelated incident, two men in a white van charged an 86-year-old householder £440 for lopping some branches off a tree.

Trading standards officers are advising residents not to purchase goods or services from cold callers either knocking at the door or via an unsolicited phone call.

Councillor Les Gilbert, Cheshire East's Cabinet member for communities, said: "Our trading standards officers keep track of scams and we are working with Cheshire police to protect the public.

"Forewarned is forearmed, and we hope this timely and comprehensive summary of what scammers are up to will help residents to stay one step ahead."

Some traders who call at your door can be honest and genuine. However, some are not and can be extremely persuasive.

Examples of bad practices associated with cold calling and doorstep selling include pressure selling, unfair contracts, overpriced or substandard home maintenance or improvements, phoney consumer surveys and bogus charity collections.

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