Police warning to elderly after spate of bogus calls by gang

Detectives are warning residents to be on their guard for bogus callers after a spate of burglaries over the past week.

Between December 7 and 12, 14 people living in Liversedge, Dewsbury, Gomersal, Bradford, Cookridge, Bramley, Wortley, Wakefield and Castleford fell victim to the crime.

Detectives believe the perpetrators are part of a gang which has targeted Lancashire, Merseyside, South Yorkshire and the North East in recent months.

Det Chief Insp Simon Bottomley, of West Yorkshire Police's Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: "We have information that tells us they do not just stick to West Yorkshire, it's part of a wider problem.

"We think it's the same group that's been targeting particular areas. They have come into West Yorkshire.

"They are not just your locals trying this. They are well versed in their methods.

"The pattern with this is that they come to a force area, they hit the area quite hard and then they move on so it's part of a larger problem."

In each of the incidents two or three men who say they are from the water board have claimed to be investigating a water leak in the area. In Gomersal, the suspects have claimed to be from the gas board.

During all of the offences, one man has distracted the elderly occupant with conversation, while the others have searched through the house and taken or attempted to take cash.

Following the majority of the incidents, the victims were asked for their names and contact details and were asked to sign a form attached to a clipboard.

A dark blue Ford Focus has been seen at several of the incidents.

Det Chief Insp Bottomley said: "These callous individuals have been out there targeting vulnerable elderly people. They have forced their way into their homes by posing as utility officials from either the gas or water board and then proceeding to steal their property.

"We are working hard to trace these suspects and they will be caught out."

He added: "I am urging all householders to be vigilant, particularly in the run-up to Christmas, by keeping their doors secured and not letting utility workers or tradesmen into their homes unless they can prove who they work for.

"Bogus callers can be very convincing and it's important to remember that on the vast majority of occasions, utility workers will only visit your home as part of a booked appointment arranged by you.

"If you are in any doubt, keep the person locked outside of your home and contact a neighbour, relative or the police immediately."

People are urged to think before they open their doors and use their chain and spy hole or look out of the window to see if they recognise callers.

Utilities companies now offer a password identification system and any caller should be able to give a prearranged password as additional proof of identity.

Leanda Trethewey, media and customer engagement manager at Yorkshire Water, said: "It is really important that people double check the identity of anyone wishing to have access to their home.

"It is very rare that employees from Yorkshire Water will need access to your home and we would always endeavour to let you know in advance if this was the case.

"Residents should always ask for identification from anyone claiming to be from Yorkshire Water.

"If in doubt, please contact Yorkshire Water on 0845 1242424 – genuine employees won't mind waiting while their identity is verified."

Anyone with information is asked to telephone Det Sgt Julie Wilson on 0845 6060606.