Norwich bogus callers warning

Police have issued a warning to be vigilant against cold callers operating in Norwich.

People living in a housing complex for older people off Old Palace Road have been issued with letters from police following concerns about a regular caller offering to clean windows or dispose of rubbish.

A spokesman for Norfolk police said it appeared no offences had been committed, but added the advice was to be aware of cold callers and report anything suspicious.

He said: 'All residents have had a letter from police regarding cold callers.

'We encourage people to be cautious about any cold calling and to let us know about it.

'In this case no offences have been committed but we want to know about any suspicious activity of that nature.'

The warning comes just days after two women, aged 95 and 79, were conned out of cash by bogus callers in the west of the city.

As the Evening News reported last week, police launched an investigation after a 95-year-old woman living at Waddington Court, near Nelson Street, was targeted by a man claiming to need change for a �20 note after fitting a carpet nearby.

He said he needed change for the customer and the victim handed over a �10 note and �5 note. The man said he would return for another �5 later but never did.

The theft, which happened at about noon on Tuesday, August 23, is being linked to a similar crime which happened in Douro Place, off Dereham Road, on Friday, August 19, between 7pm and 8pm.

There a man called at the home of a 79-year-old woman claiming to need change for two �20 notes for a taxi. The handed over �45 in cash.

The suspect is described as young, of average build, with short hair.

Anyone who has any information about either burglary should call Det Con Colin Aris, from Operation Radar, on 0845 456 4567 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Have you got a crime story for the Evening News? Call crime reporter Peter Walsh on 01603 772436 or email peter.walsh@archant.co.uk