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Police issue warning about burglars who may trick their way into Greater Manchester homes
"Most people who call at your home will be genuine, however it’s important to remain vigilant."
Greater Manchester Police has issued an urgent warning to local residents about burglars who aren’t breaking into homes, but are instead, tricking their way in by posing as tradespeople.
In a statement shared yesterday, GMP explained that they are seeing a recent rise in bogus callers who will pretend to be visiting the victim’s home on official business, such as a salesperson from a utility company, or there to do work on their house.
The force used a recent incident in the Trafford area to highlight the case.
GMP explained that, in this case, the offender gained entry to an address under the guise of carrying out decorating at the property, and it came after the victim had seen a recommendation for his services on social media.
However while there, the offender took £3,000 worth of jewellery.
“Most people who call at your home will be genuine,” admitted Detective Chief Inspector Joe Harrop, of GMP’s Economic and Cyber Crime Unit
“However it’s important to remain vigilant and not feel pressured when answering the door to someone you don’t know, it’s also important when hiring tradespeople, to take recommendations from people you trust or get references from past customers.”
With the recent rise in incidents such as the one referenced, GMP has issued some simple steps people can do to protect themselves from these bogus callers:
- Always lock your doors, even when you’re at home.
- Ask for identification before letting anyone you don’t know into your house.
- Check credentials, including a permanent business address and landline telephone number.
- If you need work done to your home, get several written quotes from trustworthy or recommended firms, then decide who is right for you.
“Remember – if in doubt, keep them out,” DCI Harrop concluded.
If you find yourself with any suspicions that someone may be a bogus caller, GMP is urging people to contact them 101, make a report online at www.gmp.police.uk, and always call 99 in an emergency.
Featured Image – Pixabay
News
Manchester-born Lord of the Rings and Titanic actor Bernard Hill dies aged 79
Danny Jones
Manchester actor, best known for roles in Lord of the Rings, Titanic, Shirley Valentine and more, has sadly died at the age of 79.
Born in Blackley near the River Irk, historically part of Lancashire, the familiar British face who often popped up in Hollywood too famously played Théoden, the King of Rohan, in the original trilogy of fantasy films as well as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic.
His death was announced by his agent Lou Coulson via the BBC, who confirmed that he passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A statement from his family is expected soon and tributes are already pouring in online.
Hill studied at what is now the Manchester School of Theatre, formerly known as the Polytechnic School of Theatre and also went on to appear in the much-loved BBC drama by Alan Bleasdale, Boys from the Blackstuff, back in 1982.
Playing the character of Yosser Hughes – best-known for the line “gizza a job” – the show went on to be awarded a BAFTA for best drama series in 1983 and was ranked as the seventh best TV show ever made on a 2000 round-up by the British Film Institute
He was also due for a big return to TV screens in series two of another BBC hit, The Responder starring Martin Freeman, which begins airing at 9pm this Sunday.
Rest in peace.
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Featured Image — Wikimedia Commons
News
Stuart Everett – family of man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale pay tribute to ‘endearing character’
Daisy Jackson
The family of the man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale in Salford have paid tribute to him after his ‘untimely death’.
After the torso of Stuart Everett was discovered on 4 April, further parts of his body were found in four different areas of the city.
GMP launched an extensive murder inquiry and a huge search effort to correctly identify Stuart and notify his family of his death.
It’s thought the 67-year-old died at an address in Winton at the end of March.
His family have now issued a tribute to his ‘endearing character’ and thanked the public for their messages of support.
In a statement issued through GMP, they said: “We as a family are united in our grief over the devastating news of Stuart’s untimely death and the manner in which he died.
“He was a unique and endearing character who always put his family and many friends first.
“He loved his food his garden his music and a flutter on the horses, we have been overwhelmed with the messages of support and are thankful that so many people thought so much of him.
“He did not deserve to die the way he did and will be eternally missed. R.I.P.”
Two men have been charged with the murder of Stuart Everett.
The searches across Salford at sites at Blackleach Reservoir, Linneyshaw Colliery Wood, Bridgewater Canal, and a house in the Winton area of the city, as well as a warehouse in Bury, are continuing.
GMP is continuing to receive details from the public that may assist these searches. Any further information should be given by calling 101 and quoting log number 2695 of 4 April 2024.
If you would like to remain anonymous, details can be shared via the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
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