Police are warning residents in Arnold to ‘stay vigilant’ after a number of reported incidents where fraudsters targeted pensioners in the town.
Notts Police have said they were called to Patricia Drive in Arnold at around 2pm today (May 28) after a group of men asked a pensioner if they could enter a property to recover a lost ball.
The men then proceeded to steal jewellery from the property as well as £100 in cash. Police would like to speak to three men, described as white, all of stocky build and between 5 foot 9 – 5 foot 10 inches tall, in connection with the incident.
Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 415 of 26 May 2020.
Yesterday (May 27), it was reported that an elderly man in Mellors Road was misled by two men posing as roofers who claimed to fix his roof for £200 at around 11am. No work is thought to have been carried out by the men.
Police would like to speak with two men who were believed to be driving a light coloured van and using roof ladders in the street in connection with this report.
If you saw anything suspicious or have any information that could aid officers in their investigation into this incident, please call 101 and quote incident number 224 of 27 May 2020.
Police are now asking for the public to remember these top tips when it comes to unexpected callers:
- LOCK – Keep your front and back doors locked even when you are at home.
- STOP – Before you answer, stop and think whether you are expecting anyone. Check you have locked the back door and taken the key out. Look through a spy hole or window to see who the caller is.
- CHAIN – If you decide to open the door, put the chain or door bar on first, if you have one. Keep the chain or bar on while you are talking to the caller. With PVC doors, it can be difficult and costly to fit a door chain, consider fitting a Secure Ring instead.
- FIRE SAFETY – Only put on your door chain as you answer the door, don’t keep it on all the time as this could delay your exit in case of fire.
- CHECK – Look at their clothing. Some official callers will have a uniform bearing their organisation name or logo. Even if the caller has a pre-arranged appointment with you, check their identification card carefully. Close the door while you do this. If you are still unsure, call the company concerned to verify their representative’s identity. If you’re still not sure ask the caller to come back later when someone is with you.
Detective Inspector Ed Cook, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We are keeping an open mind when it comes to these incidents and exploring the idea that they may be linked.
“While it is understandable that this reports are unnerving for the community, I want the public to be reassured that we have increased patrols in the area and that we are thoroughly investigating these incidents.
“The impact of the Coronavirus cannot be ignored and with our relatives potentially feeling more isolated than ever, I’d encourage people to remind their family members of the advice around unexpected callers.
“I would also encourage anyone who spots any suspicious activity in their street to contact us as soon as possible on 101 or in an emergency, dial 999.
“It is shocking to think that people would exploit our most vulnerable members of society in this way and we will ensure that the victims are given the appropriate care and support throughout these investigations.”
For more advice, head to https://www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/advice/prevention/distraction.
