Merseyside Police Appeal

Merseyside Police are appealing for information and issuing advice following a report of two males cold calling an elderly resident in the Stockbridge Village area of Knowsley.

At around 11am on Thursday 21st October 2021, two men attended the home address of a woman in her 80s on Brandearth Hey claiming to be from the Council needing to check the property for asbestos.

Thankfully, the resident asked for identification and at this point the males left in a vehicle.

• Do not open your door if you are unsure who the caller is. Always make sure you know who visitors are by asking to see their identification. Never let people into your property if you don't know them

• Always keep the key chain on the door whilst talking to callers and always check their ID before letting them into your home. Genuine callers won't mind you doing this. If callers haven't got valid identification, don't let them in

• Bogus callers often pretend to be someone official, for example, from a utility company or the water board. They will also try to distract people by asking for a drink of water or if they can use the toilet. Remember "if in doubt, keep them out"

• Remember to close and lock the back door before you answer the front door

• It's a good idea to have a viewer or spy hole and a stout chain fitted to all the external doors to the property

• Don't keep large quantities of cash at home. It's better in the bank where it's safe

• If someone asks for your help (for example, if they want to make a telephone call or claim to have lost a ball in your garden) always ask a friend or neighbour, or someone else you trust, for help

Anyone with information which could help the police with their inquiries is asked to contact @MerPolCC or 101 quoting reference number 21000735442.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crowd.in/DMxQ8F.