Warning - bogus callers about

Greater Manchester Police Authority (GMPA) have issued a warning to residents across Greater Manchester. Residents in Bolton and Ashton in particular have been warned to look out for a bogus United Utilities official claiming to be an engineer in order to gain entry to properties.

As yet this individual has only targetted United Utilities work sites in the region but residents are being asked to be extra vigilant.

The offender has an official United Utilities uniform and a fake ID card. Police are investigating the reports.

The message from Greater Manchester Police is to be vigilant. United Utilities engineers will always arrive in a van carrying their corporate logo and carrying full id. Callers can be verified by telephoning United Utilities on 0845 746 2200.

If in doubt keep them out!

Bogus callers are people who visit residents pretending to be doing some work or asking for help (such as directions, saying they've broken down and asking to use your phone to call for help). The most common excuse is that they work for the Council or for gas/electric companies and they need to check something in your property. They often work in pairs and whilst one is distracting you in one room of your house or garden their accomplice will enter your property and steal from you. The most common things stolen are cash and handbags - things that are easy to pick up quickly without being noticed. They have also been known to steal car keys and come back later for victim's cars. Most victims are elderly and they tend to strike during the day.

Here's a few quick tips to keep them out

• Use a peep hole or door chain to check who the caller is. Don't open the door to them if you are unsure of who they are.
• Ask to see their ID and if you're not happy call the company to check - use the phone number in the yellow pages, the number on the ID card could be false. Make sure you close and LOCK the front door whilst you check.
• Remember, a genuine caller will be more than happy to come back at a time that suits you - don't be afraid to ask them to make an appointment. Wigan Council employees will usually contact you in advance (and usually in writing) to let you know they are coming to see you.
• If you're worried an offical may not be genuine ask them to call back at a time when you are not alone.

If you do become a victim:

• please report the crime to the Police - even if very little was stolen. Call 999 in an emergency and 0161 872 5050 at other times.