On Friday, 20 March at around 15:30hrs a man [Suspect 1] claiming to be from a drainage company called at an elderly woman’s house in Hyde Park Avenue, N21.
The 85-year-old victim opened her door to a man claiming there were sewage works being carried out which may affect her property and they would need to investigate this.
She was asked for her phone number so that the suspect’s boss could contact her to confirm what he had said. The victim obliged and the suspect left.
Minutes later her phone rang and the victim spoke with a man who repeated what the suspect had said. He also informed her she needed to provide a deposit of £2,500 and a colleague would be round to collect this. He explained a pressure pump would need to be installed in the sewage system to resolve the problem, without this, it would overflow in the night.
Five minutes later a second suspect [Suspect 2] knocked at the victim’s door, walking straight into her property when it was opened. The victim expressed her concerns and the suspect left.
Both suspects were seen outside the property.
The victim immediately called police. No money was exchanged.
Suspect one is described as a white man, aged around 20 to 30 years, 6ft tall with short brown hair. He was wearing a navy top, possibly a turtle neck, with navy trousers.
Suspect two is described as a white man, aged around 20 to 30 years, 5ft 8ins tall, with short brown hair. He was wearing a navy jumper.
Inspector Andy Port, from Enfield’s South Cluster Policing Team, said: “I would like to remind residents, especially the elderly, to always ask for identification before letting people into their homes.”
Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment & Community Safety, Cllr Chris Bond, said: “Our advice is never to give out details to anyone who calls you unexpectedly – whether by telephone or by coming to your door.
“Never let anyone inside your home if they call unexpectedly, until you are satisfied they are who they say they are and we recommend residents are vigilant about giving out personal details and think very carefully before buying goods or services on their doorstep.”
Anyone with information should contact Enfield CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting reference: 5206025/15.
Bogus callers succeed because they sound believable, so don’t be fooled. Make sure they are whom they claim to be by following these simple steps:
Think before you open the door – use your chain and 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 your property requires urgent sewage/plumbing work. We would always advice you to check their credentials and try to speak to other people who have had work done by them. Never hand over money before checking they are a legitimate company.
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.