CALLOUS thieves are pretending to be police to trick their way into the homes of elderly and vulnerable victims.

It shows that you must not trust anyone who comes to the door unless they can prove they are who they say they are.

Don’t be afraid to ask to see identification cards – or close the door on them and make them wait while you phone the organisation they claim to represent to check them out.

Over the last week three bogus policemen conned their way into the home of an 88-year-old woman in Golcar.

One kept her talking while the other two searched her home and stole her money.

The man who did the talking is white, tall and slim and wore a smart suit. He spoke with a local accent.

A bogus police officer called at the home of a vulnerable victim in Thongsbridge at the end of last month.

Ironically he claimed he was giving advice about bogus builders operating in the area. He tricked his way in and stole cash.

He is white, 28, with short ginger hair and wore a white shirt with a black tie and black trousers.

Investigations have revealed that this man was seen leaving in a smart blue Transit type van with the words ROOFING –and possibly Repairs – across the side.

If someone calls round at your home:

Put the chain on the door before answering it – if you rent your home and don’t have a chain, ask your landlord to fit one for you.

Ask to see identification.

Check their identification isn’t fake – ask which company they’re from, then phone the company to check the caller is genuine. Look the company up in the phone book rather than using a number they give you.

Ask a neighbour or friend to come round while the caller is there.