Dee Valley Water customers to keep alert for bogus callers

Dee Valley Water is urging customers to make sure they always check the identity of callers claiming to be from the water company.

The warning comes as a result of further reports of distraction burglaries in Wrexham over the past week, where people are claiming to be from the company in order to gain access homes.

The company is reminding customers that Dee Valley workers will never try to get access to homes to fix pipes or to fix meters without making an appointment first.

Alexandra Ganley, customer support manager from Dee Valley Water, said: “We really want our customers to be safe and to avoid the possibility of people claiming to be from Dee Valley getting access to their homes.

“We really can’t stress just how important it is to check the identity of anyone knocking on the door.”

DI Mark Hughes from North Wales Police added: “Distraction burglary, targeting the elderly and vulnerable, is a crime which the whole community rightly finds upsetting.

“I would like to remind residents that under no circumstances should they allow anyone into their homes unless they are 100% sure who they are.

“Legitimate water company staff will carry identification, which should contain a phone number for verification. Don’t be fooled by hi-viz jackets and work clothes.

“Any genuine contractor will not mind waiting outside while you seek verification.

“I would also ask relatives and neighbours to look out for elderly and vulnerable people, to reinforce security advice and to encourage them to report any suspicious behaviour.”

The following advice has been issued on how to beat a bogus caller:-

· LOCK: Keep your front and back doors locked, even when at home.

· STOP: Before you answer, stop and think if you are expecting anyone. Look through the spyhole or window to see who it is.

· CHAIN: If you decide to open the door, put the door chain or bar on first. Keep the bar or chain on while you are talking to the person on the doorstep.

· CHECK: Check their details before you let them into your house.

· If there is any doubt about the caller, call the police.

Alexandra said: “All 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.

“If you’re in any doubt, call us.”

She added: “Everyone who works for Dee Valley will have an identity card and people should always check by phoning us on 01978 833200 if they have any doubts or just to double check.”

Dee Valley also offers its customers a doorstep password scheme to make sure that the caller’s definitely from the company.

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