RESIDENTS are being reminded to check for identification of cold callers after two incidents in and around St Ives.

Two men and a woman claiming to be from telecommunication and Internet companies called at a home in Lea Road, Hemingford Grey, at about 5pm last Wednesday (January 23), asking to check their phone lines.

They also knocked on the door of a property in Little How, St Ives, on Thursday at 7.30pm.

The people, who acted suspiciously, were not allowed in and nothing was taken but Cambridgeshire police has issued a warning about cold callers.

Community Safety Officer Dave Griffin said: “These people were knocking on doors claiming to be working for a phone company.

“I would urge people to always ask for identification from doorstep callers and to never let people into their homes if they have any concerns about them.

“It is also important that people remain vigilant to activity in their neighbourhood, particularly in areas with vulnerable or elderly residents.”

Officers have issued the following advice:

LOCK - Is your back door locked? If not, lock it before you answer the front door as distraction burglars often work in pairs - one distracts, while the other steals

STOP - Are you expecting anybody?

CHAIN - Put this on before you open the door. If you have not got one, it is a worthwhile investment. It will give you that extra ‘safe space’ and barrier between you and the caller and then,

CHECK - Ask for their identification card, take it and look at it carefully. Close the door and check the number in the phone book - not the number on the card. If they are genuine they will not mind waiting or coming back another day.

INFORMATION: Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.