Bogus “council” workers trick residents

Lower Falinge Flats

Bogus callers pretending to be from the council are targeting homes and stealing valuables from vulnerable residents.

Two men believed to be in their late 30s to early 40s have been knocking on doors in the Falinge area and telling residents that they have an emergency leak, before gaining access and going through drawers and cupboards.

Danny Angle, who lives alone on Ollerton Block, Falinge, was targeted on Monday (28 March), and is calling on his fellow residents to take extra care.

He said: “I was actually in bed when they started banging on the door, they were really adamant that there was a serious leak that they needed to fix.

“I didn’t have much chance to think about it really, they pushed past me and went straight to the kitchen. I heard one of them say that there was a tablet in the drawer.

“They flung paperwork all over the room and even the TV was left lying on the floor. They didn’t care at all.”

The men didn’t provide ID and one of them was wearing a high vis vest.

Danny added: “I shouldn’t have let them in, I know that. When they were done at my flat they were knocking on all the other doors as well. People need to be aware not to let them in. It’s not even like I have anything valuable here, so I don’t know why they targeted me.”

Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a distraction burglary had taken place and that residents should take extra care when letting people into their homes.

A spokesperson said: “Officers attended an address on Falinge after a burglary had taken place. Two males gained entry to the flat by saying they worked for the council and that there was an emergency leak.

“Of course there was not a leak and these men were intending to burgle the property. On this occasion they didn’t make off with anything valuable and nobody was hurt in the incident.”

Police are urging anyone with information to come forward by calling 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.