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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
Police appeal to find next of kin after man found outside Palace Theatre
Daisy Jackson
Police are trying to track down the family of a man who died after being found unresponsive outside the Palace Theatre in Manchester.
The man, who has now been named as Jonathan Bernard Carroll, was seen outside the city centre theatre at around 6.30am on Tuesday 12 November.
Emergency services rushed to the scene and Mr Carroll was taken to hospital.
Tragically, the 47-year-old passed away a short time later.
A large cordon was in place on Whitworth Street and Oxford Road while police and security attended the incident.
Greater Manchester Police are now appealing to find his next of kin.
It’s believed that he resided in the Salford area of Greater Manchester.
Anyone with any information should contact the Coroner’s Office on 0161 856 1376.
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Featured image: The Manc Group
News
Greater Manchester public urged to help get people ‘off the streets and on their feet’ before Christmas
Emily Sergeant
Locals are being urged to help get hundreds of people “off the streets and back on their feet” this festive season.
As the temperatures told colder by the day, and Christmas creeps closer and closer, Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity is bringing back ‘1000 Beds for Christmas’, and the massively-important initiative is aiming to provide 1,000 nights of accommodation to people at risk of homelessness before the big day arrives.
Forming part of the ongoing ‘A Bed Every Night’ scheme, this festive fundraising mission is designed to provide food, shelter, warmth, and dedicated vital wrap-around support for those who need it most.
The charity says it wants to build on the “incredible success of 2023”, which raised more than £55,000 and provided 1,800 nights of accommodation.
Stockport-based property finance specialists, Together – which has supported the campaign for the last two years – has, once again, generously pledged to match every public donation for the first £20,000 raised.
Unfamiliar with the ‘A Bed Every Night’ scheme? Since 2017, when rough sleeping peaked, the initiative has helped ensure a significantly-higher rate of reduction in the numbers of people facing a night on streets in Greater Manchester than seen nationally.
The landmark scheme has given people the chance to rebuild their lives, while also giving them access to key services and opportunities that allows them to stay off the streets for good.
Despite the scheme’s recent success, organisations across Greater Manchester are under “a huge amount of pressure” to meet the demand for their services this winter, and given the current economic outlook, household budgets will continue to be squeezed – leaving people on the sharp end of inequality and poverty.
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“Help us be a lifeline to organisations on the frontline,” Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity urged in it’s public appeal for donations.
You can help make sure ‘A Bed Every Night’ is a reality for all by donating here.
Featured Image – EthelRedThePetrolHead (via Flickr)
