Castlewellan Incident With Bogus Caller

THE PSNI in Downpatrick are urging householders to be wary of bogus callers following an incident in the Castlewellan area on August 24th.

An older member of the community living at St Paul’s Close answered her door to a man who asked if she needed repairs done to her house. She let the man in, but her husband challenged him and he made off. Nothing was taken.

Police believe the same tactic was used at another house further down the street on the same day, when a householder refused the man entry.

He was seen leaving the area in a small white van, and is described as being 5’10” tall with short sandy coloured hair,xa0 blue eyes and wearing blue jeans and light coloured sweat shirt.

[caption id="attachment_19450" align="alignleft" width="195" caption="PSNI Area Commander Deirdre Bones has warned the public of bogus callers. "][/caption] Down Area Commander Chief Inspector Deirdre Bones isued some advice for dealing with unexpected visitors.She said, “Think before you open the door – use your chain and spy hole or look out of the window to see if you recognise the caller.”

“Ask callers for proof of identity. Genuine tradesmen should carry a photographic identification card. Check this carefully. If you are unsure, telephone Quick Check. Dial 0800 013 22 90 and the person on the other end will check the caller at your door is legitimate. The service is free and operates 24 hours a day. Genuine callers will not mind waiting until you have checked that they are who they say they are.”

“Alternatively, if you are not convinced of the identity of the caller, don’t let them in. Ask the caller to come back later and arrange for a friend, relative or neighbour to be present on their return.

“Beware of callers who attempt to distract you by claiming that they have seen something untoward in your rear garden or somewhere that may encourage you to leave your house – they may have an accomplice who is waiting to act upon this distraction,” said the PSNI Down Area Commander.

Anyone with information on the incidents at St Paul’s Close is asked to contact Downpatrick police on 0845 600 8000.

Or if someone would like to pass on information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.