Elderly Norwich man conned out of 2k

Jon WelchPolice in Norwich are reminding people to vigilant after an elderly man was duped out of more than �2,000.Jon Welch

Police in Norwich are reminding people to vigilant after an elderly man was duped out of more than �2,000.

The man was targeted at his home in St Mary's Road by two men pretending to be letting agents, who said they wanted to fix drains.

They asked the victim to hand over �150 in cash, which he did.

The offenders then entered his home, and when they left the victim found �2,000 had also gone from his wallet.

Sgt Anthony Abigail from the Mile Cross, Catton and Fiddlewood Safer Neighbourhood Team said: 'Bogus callers and rogue traders prey on the elderly and vulnerable, often providing very plausible cover stories to enter their home or persuade them to hand over cash.

'Be wary of all strangers calling at your home. Ask for identification and cross-check this with their organisation or ask someone else to deal with them on your behalf. If you are suspicious of their behaviour, contact the police.'

Police advise people to protect themselves by closing and locking the back door before answering the front door and using a spy hole or window to look at the caller before answering the door.

If the caller is selling something or offering work on your home, you should tell them you are not interested and ask them to leave.

If they don't leave or you need assistance, call the police. If the caller is valid always ask for proof of identity

Anyone with any information about this offence is asked to contact Norfolk Constabulary on 0845 456 4567.

For further crime prevention advice visit www.norfolk.police.uk or call your Safer Neighbourhood Team directly on the number above.

Were you the victim? Contact Jon Welch on 01603 772476 or email jon.welch@archant.co.uk