Detectives are urging homeowners to be vigilant following several reports of bogus callers. who appear to be targeting senior citizens and stealing money.
Around 1.00pm on Monday 1st February, a man approached an address in Carnforth claiming he was owed money for work he carried out on the property’s chimney.
When the 63-year-old male homeowner asked what work had been done, the man followed him inside the property, taking £180. The offender then demanded more money, taking a further £70 from the victim’s wallet.
He left the property after being disturbed by a friend of the victim, driving away in a grey Peugeot car with another man.
The first man is described as white, of stocky build, with short black hair and spoke with an Irish accent. He was wearing a dark tweed-style jacket.
The driver of the car is believed to be in his 50s and was wearing glasses.
An earlier incident was reported to police on 25th January, after a 91-year-old man told officers a male had entered his property in Slyne to discuss building work. The offender claimed repairs needed carrying out on the roof of the property, taking £400 from the victim.
He is described as white, of broad build, wearing dark clothing and spoke with an Irish accent.
Detective Constable Kate Foley of Lancaster CID, said: “There have been a number of suspicious activity calls we want to warn the public about.
“The callers have visited addresses stating work needs doing on the chimney stack or roof and that they have already done work to a neighbour’s house.
“We have had crimes reported in Carnforth and Slyne, but I believe that there may be other possible victims that have not yet reported it.”
• Anyone with information about the Carnforth incident can contact police on 101 quoting crime reference WB1600915. If you have details about the second report, contact police on WB1600747.
If you have been affected by crimes of this nature in recent weeks, contact police on 101. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org.