Dee Valley urges customers to keep alert for bogus callers

Dee Valley Water is reminding its customers to always check the identity of callers claiming to be from the water company.

Last week North Wales Police issued a public appeal after two homes in Rhosllanerchrugog were targeted by men posing to be from the ‘water board’ in an attempt to gain access into the residents’ homes.

The two incidents took place within 20 minutes of each other during the early evening of Tuesday 21st November.

An address on Jones Street in Rhos was targeted by a male at around 5:55pm, whereby he entered the house uninvited claiming to be from the Water Board

The male was asked to leave and did so after about 10 minutes when homeowner called her daughter. He is described as white, 6ft tall, of slim build with short dark hair. He was in his late 30’s and wearing a navy fleece jacket and black trousers.

Just 20 minutes later a second incident happened around 6.15pm in Afon yr Rhos – with a man knocking on the door of an elderly woman and claiming he needed to check her cold water tap as there’s something in the water.

The victim took the male into the kitchen where he went under the sink to get to the stop tap. When the caller was told that a relative was on his way to the house he left.

He is described as around 30 with tanned skin. He is broad and approximately 5’6” tall. He was wearing a dark jacket with a florescent jacket over the top, dark trousers and a dark peaked cap.

A warning has now been issued by Dee Valley Water to remind residents to check the identity of of callers claiming to be from the company.

Alexandra Ganley, customer support manager at Dee Valley Water said: “We can’t stress how important it is for customers to check the identity of the person knocking on the door.

“It doesn’t matter how convincing they look, if they work for us they’ll be carrying an identity card and you can check that they work for us by ringing 01978 833200 between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday.

“Outside of these hours, you should call 01978 846946 if you need to check the identity of a caller.

“Rest assured, we’d never try to get access to your home to fix pipes or to fit meters without making an appointment first and, even then, if you have any doubts, just call us to double check.

“Our colleagues fully expect customers to check their identity, either with a card or a call, and they’ll wait while you carry out the necessary checks.

“We also offer a doorstep password scheme where you can apply for a password in advance to make sure that the caller’s definitely from Dee Valley Water when they come to your home.”

Anyone interested in the doorstep password scheme can sign up by calling 01978 833200.

Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones has also urged residents to remain vigilant following the two incidents, stating: “Although thankfully, this does not happen often in our area, it’s vital that local residents do not allow random people into their homes. The criminals will lie about who they are and what they are doing.

“Utilities companies always inform residents when work needs doing and their staff carry proper ID. If in doubt, phone the utility company to check whether they are working in your area. For other domestic jobs, it is always better to contact a reputable local tradesperson.”

Anyone with information regarding this issue should contact North Wales Police on 101 quoting RC17176350.