Stockport Council is urging borough residents to be on their guard against bogus callers.
A number of residents in Stockport have been contacted by bogus callers claiming they need to check their property for the number of bedrooms linked to changes to housing benefit.
Residents are being advised to report these calls to Greater Manchester Police or Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 04 05 06.
These callers are looking to target vulnerable people to gain access to their homes. Residents are asked to be on their guard as these types of approaches are often a ploy for a criminal to carry out a distraction burglary.
There are changes taking place to the benefits system which come into place on 1st April as a result of the Government’s Welfare Reform Act which will affect housing benefit. However, these cold callers are not acting for any agency involved in these changes.
Councillor Mark Weldon, Stockport Council’s Executive Member for Supporting Communities, said: “We are committed to protecting residents from cold callers. These cold callers are preying on vulnerable people in the community looking to use the changes to the housing benefit system to gain entry to their home. Anybody that receives such a call should report it to the Police.”
Inspector Steve Palmer of the Stockport East Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Criminals sometimes pose as workmen, police officers or officials from the Council, waterboard or gasboard to gain access to people’s homes.
“Criminals tend to target vulnerable people who may often be repeat victims of offences of this kind. It is important that the police, partner agencies and communities work together to protect vulnerable people from those wishing to take advantage of them.”
For more information about doorstep crime, including useful numbers, advice and tips to stay safe visit www.saferstockport.org.uk