Cruel doorstep scammers trick pensioner out of hundreds of pounds

Northumbria Police has issued an alert after a series of bogus caller attacks on pensioners in Jarrow and then Sunderland, with officers linking the incidents.

Shortly before 4.45pm on Thursday, August 20, police were alerted to suspected bogus callers at a house in Kent Street, Jarrow.

Two men claiming to be doing guttering work got into the elderly man's home after confusing him and asked for £300.

The victim handed over the money, but later realised one of the men had stolen a further £600 from a bedroom when he was distracted.

At about 2.25pm on the following day (Friday), police received a similar report of two males acting suspiciously in the area and it is now understood that two males entered the address of an elderly lady purporting to conduct unnecessary roofing work.

Officers have arrested a 61-year-old man on suspicion of burglary who has since been released on police bail.

It is believed the offenders in both cases were using a silver Vauxhall Zafira with a registration ending ‘JMU’, with anyone who saw it or anyone who saw men acting suspiciously in either street urged to get in touch.

Detective Constable Chris Sengelow said: “Criminals quite often target the most vulnerable in our communities, especially those who live alone, so I would plead with the public to be wary if a stranger knocks on the door asking for personal information or to come inside.

“Please make sure you and your loved ones are aware of this type of criminality, do not let anyone into your home who you do not know, and be careful when keeping large sums of money inside your house.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of its website or by calling 101 quoting log 637 210820.

Alternatively, people can email [email protected] or contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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