We would like to raise some awareness in relation to a report we have received recently.

On 15/11/2023 there was a suspicious incident on Abbey Road, Popley whereby an offender, described as an Asian male, in his 30's, wearing a black coat and black trousers with a red lanyard, pretending to be from Vivid Housing, used a fake ID and circumstances to enter an elderly persons address and look around. The male used a story that he was there to check damp patches in the persons address.

Currently nothing believed to have been taken or stolen from the address. Due to the time of year and the lead up to Christmas it is common for this and similar incidents such as Burglaries to occur, therefore we want to remind residents of the best advice and practice to follow.

Offenders knock on the door pretending to be someone else. They may then:

- Distract you to get in and steal items, sometimes with an accomplice
- Pretend to have lost a pet
- Claim they need to use your home phone
- Claim they're from the council, a utility supplier (water or gas, for example) or even police

Please remember:

- If you’re not sure, don’t answer the door (It's best to not open the door to anyone you don't recognise)
- Keep front and back doors locked even if you're in
- Use a peep hole on your front door if you have one or nearby window when answering the door
- Fit a door chain – use it and keep it on when talking to callers at the door
- Only let people in if they have an appointment or if you're expecting someone
- Check their credentials - a genuine person won’t mind. You can phone the company they represent or check online
- Never use contact details they give you
- Never disclose any of your personal information
- Call 999 if you feel threatened or in danger
- Call the police non-emergency number 101 if you’re not in immediate danger but want to report an incident