Police today warned elderly locals and their neighbours to be on their guard against bogus callers after officers dealt with around nine incidents in just one day.
DC Alex Gartshore, of Canvey police, said gangs were targeting elderly residents, knocking at their doors and pretending to be from the gas board or the water board.
While one person distracted and confused their elderly victim others searched the home for money and other valuable items - known as artifice burglaries.
Mr Gartshore added: "We would ask elderly people and their neighbours to be on their guard. It is important people look out for each other and if neighbours see people knocking on elderly people's doors who they do not recognise they should be alert and if necessary contact the police."
Published Thursday August 15, 2002
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