CommunitySafe.gov.uk

Police are urging elderly residents to keep out unknown and unexpected callers after two elderly residents allowed in people who were pretending to be from the local social services department. On Saturday (9th October) a man stole a purse containing £300 after gaining entry to a sheltered bungalow at Richmond Green, Beddington, at around 5.30pm. The 91-year-old resident had allowed the man into her property after he said he was from social services. The purse that was stolen was in a handbag in the living room. The caller is described as white with a local accent. The day before (Friday 8th October) in Stanley Park Road, Wallington, two men forced their way through the front door glass panel of a disabled resident, aged 59, between 9.00pm-9.30pm. They said they were from social services but left empty handed after having a look around. One of the men was said to have an Irish accent and had ginger coloured hair. PC Pat Simcox, of Sutton’s Crime Prevention Team, said these tricksters deliberately target the elderly and vulnerable in local communities. She urged residents not to allow in callers they don’t know or aren’t expecting and to call police immediately on 999 if callers are trying to gain access to your property. “If you’re not sure, just don’t open the door under any circumstances,” said PC Simcox. A spokesman for Sutton’s social services said visits to residents’ homes only took place after an appointment has been made in advance. He added that all social workers carried identification and if residents were in any doubt they should ring the council on 020 8770 6080 to verify the ID of callers.