Elderly advised to be on guard for bogus callers: Police investigating four incidents in Shepway

Kent Police are advising elderly residents to be on their guard after a number of bogus caller incidents in the Shepway area.

A man and a woman targeted an elderly woman in Folkestone on Thursday 9 May. They claimed to be from 'Age Concern', which no longer exists, and said they wanted to talk about meal deliveries.

While the woman, who called herself 'Jennifer' stayed with the victim, the man, who used the name 'Graham', entered the victim's bedroom and stole a small amount of money and prescription drugs.

There were three similar incidents the day before on Wednesday 8 May:

• A bogus water company worker called at an address in Black Bull Road Folkestone around 9 am, but the resident did not let him in without ID.
• It's believed the same offenders called at an address in Geraldine Road, Folkestone at 10.45 am and Swan Lane, Sellinge at 11.45 am.

On all three occasions the bogus worker told the resident he was working in the area and needed access to their water pipes.

The latter two let them in and when they had gone, noticed cash missing. While one of the suspects engages the elderly person in conversation, an accomplice enters the property and steals cash.

Shepway District Commander, Chief Inspector Darren Mullins, said:

"Bogus callers pretend to be from a company or the council or other organisation, to trick their way into people's homes.

"While most people who call at your home will be genuine, occasionally people may turn up unannounced and try to trick their way in.

"If you have concerns about anyone calling at your home, don't open the door and ask them to return when you have someone with you. Genuine callers won't mind."