Bogus callers flee empty handed

BOGUS callers fled empty handed when a plucky pensioner confronted them after they forced their way into his home claiming to be water board officials.

The pensioner from Great Cornard, demanded identification from the pair and when they failed to produce any the angry pensioner threatened to call the police.

The 65-year-old, who was not injured, was at home at around 4.50pm on Thursday, when he answered a knock on his door. The two men he found on his doorstep claimed they were from the water board and had found contaminated water after a kitchen had been fitted at a neighbouring property.

When the men entered the house the pensioner became suspicious and confronted the pair before calling Sudbury police after they had fled from his property.

Det Con John Gibbens, of Sudbury CID, said: "We would always advise people to check the identity of anyone visiting their homes before they are allowed in. This gentleman did the right thing, a genuine caller will have relevant identification and will understand the reasons why you are requesting to check it.

"Anyone who has doubts about someone visiting their home should keep them out."

The latest incident happened in the same neighbourhood as war veteran Peter Remblance, 88, who was conned out of his £50 Christmas savings when thieves claiming to be gas board officials struck in Great Cornard, in October 2003.

Detectives believe Mr Remblance was just one victim of the same gang which targeted addresses across Suffolk and Essex in October.

Detectives have now issued descriptions of the men who entered the pensioner's home on Thursday.

The first man was white, around 5ft 4in tall, of slim build with short dark hair. He wore a dark jumper and dark trousers and is aged between 20 and 30. The second man is around 6ft 3in tall. He was also aged between 20 and 30 and wore a navy jumper and dark jeans.

Anyone with any information should call Det Con John Gibbens on 01284 774300 or Crimestoppers on freephone 0800 555 111.