Bogus callers claiming to be investigating counterfeit bank notes have targeted older people in Lisburn and Castlereagh.
Detectives are appealing for information following two reports of suspicious incidents in the area on Saturday (13 November).
Sometime between 10am and 10:15am, it was reported that a man described as being 5ft 5″ in height and aged in his 20s arrived at a house at the Saintfield Road area of Castlereagh.
Wearing a hi-vis style jacket, and with glasses and brown hair, the man claimed to be investigating counterfeit bank notes. The man asked if the woman aged in her 90s had any bank notes and when she returned, he was inside the house. He then left and nothing was taken during the incident.
And at around 11am, it was reported that a man described as being aged in his 50s, of stocky build and wearing a bright yellow jacket approached a property at Moira Road in Lisburn. He then told a man aged in his 80s, that he was looking for counterfeit notes. The man left after the occupant asked to see his identification. Nothing was taken during the incident and the man did not gain entry to the property.
Detective Sergeant Westbury said enquiries are continuing and at this stage, police are investigating a potential link between these incidents.
“I would like to take this opportunity to remind people to treat with caution unexpected persons who come to your door. Bogus callers use many guises; they may offer to do work around your property, while other callers may seek to gain entry to use facilities.
“When your attention is distracted, an accomplice may enter your premises via an unlocked door to steal cash and items of value. Often you will not be aware this has occurred until they have left. Genuine callers will carry ID, so please ask them for documentation for inspection before permitting entry to your home.
“We are appealing to anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity at the time of the incidents to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference number 826 of 13/11/21. Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime,” he said.
You can use the Quickcheck number – 0800 013 22 90 to check if a caller is genuine. The 24-hour Freephone service enables householders to challenge and independently verify the identity of anyone calling at their door. The call is free and will be answered by a trained operator. They will take the details of the company, which the caller claims to be visiting on behalf of and then contact the organisation to determine if the caller is genuine. If there is anything suspicious the operator will contact the police directly.