Warning after bogus caller’s claim to check gas boiler

RESIDENTS living in the Strabane area have been warned to be vigilant after a bogus caller attempted to gain access to a home on the pretext of checking a gas boiler.

The caller arrived at the home and claimed to be a member of staff from SGN Natural Gas and said they were there to check the boiler.

However the householder’s suspicions were alerted as the caller did not produce the necessary ID and was refused entry to the property.

The incident also immediately reported to the police and investigations are ongoing.

Chief Inspector Rosie Thompson urged people to be wary and use the Quick Check Scheme 101 number to verify callers.

Inspector Thompson said, “The majority of callers to your home will be there for genuine reasons. However, there are those who may pose as official callers from utility companies.

“If you are concerned about the identity of someone at your door, call 101 and you will be given the option of going through to the Quick Check facility.

“Your call will be answered by a trained police call handler who will take the details of the company which the caller claims to be working for.

“The call handler will then contact the organisation/utility supplier to determine whether the caller is genuine.

“If they are not who they say they are or you think that there is something suspicious, the operator will be able to send the police directly to you.

“Bogus callers may claim to be from utility suppliers and other reputable organisations, in order to gain access to a property. Once access has been gained, they will steal money and other valuables.”

SGN Natural Gas stressed that its employees would never seek access to a resident’s home without prior arrangement with the householder.

Anyone who wishes to check the identity of someone who says they are calling on the pretext of inspecting gas, electricity or water supplies can now call the 101 number to verify their identity.
For more information and advice please visit: psni.police.uk/advice_information/protecting-your-home/quick-check/