Police have launched an appeal after a gang of fake plumbers targeted an elderly couple in South Kilburn and made off with a bag containing £100 in cash.
The couple fell victim to the bogus call after the woman, who is in her 80s, answered the door to her home in Canterbury Terrace at approximately 5pm on January 4.
Two men posing as plumbers, one of whom introduced himself as “Michael”, showed the woman identification and entered the house to speak to the occupants while a further two suspects slipped into the property and searched the bedroom.
The couple noticed the bedroom was being searched and called police before all four suspects left the address taking a handbag containing £100 in cash.
All four suspects are described as Eastern European males.
The man who referred to himself as “Michael” was aged between 45 and 55 years old.
The second man, who had a bruised eye, was aged between 25 and 35 years old.
None of the men were wearing any company branded clothing.
Anyone with information is asked to call Brent CID via 101, quoting reference: 1900265/15. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via https://crimestoppers-uk.org
Police have also issued the following advice to residents regarding bogus callers:
- Think before you open the door - use your chain or spy hole, or look out of the window to see if you recognise them.
- Ask callers for proof of identity. Genuine tradesmen should carry an identification card with their photograph on. Check this carefully. If you are unsure, telephone the company the caller claims to represent.
- Beware of callers who attempt to distract you by claiming that they have seen something untoward in your rear garden or somewhere which may encourage you to leave your house - they may have an accomplice awaiting this distraction.
- If you are not convinced of the identity of the caller, don’t let them in. Ask the caller to come back later and arrange for a friend, relative or neighbour to be present on their return or ask the caller to contact this person.
- Treat every stranger with caution. If you are worried, dial 999 immediately and ask for the police
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