THERE have been multiple reports of bogus callers in the Coventry area stealing from homeowners as they check their water supplies.
Water company Severn Trent is warning its customers to be extra vigilant after receiving reports of thefts by door-knockers in and around the city.
Residents have reported people knocking on front doors claiming to be from Severn Trent saying they need to cut off the water supply, the company says.
Reports say the callers then asked the customers to fill a basin of water, giving them an opportunity to steal from them while they did this.
Security and resilience lead Elaine Taylor says: “We often hear about people trying to access homes by saying they’re from “the water board”, and this is obviously extremely worrying for our customers.
“We can’t stress how important it is for customers to check the identity of the person calling to make sure it’s a genuine visit.
“Our staff are more than happy to give their names on visits and they’ll be happy to wait while you carry out the necessary checks.
“Keeping our customers safe is our priority, so if anyone is unsure whether it really is Severn Trent at the door, please do check.
“We offer a doorstep password scheme where you can apply for a password in advance that any legitimate visitors from Severn Trent will have when they come to your home.
“Our phone lines are manned 24-hours a day, seven days a week, and our employees fully expect customers to check their identity, either with a password or a call.
“If anyone has had a suspicious call – either at the door or on the phone, please do let the police know, and tell us too – that way we can warn others.”
For more information go to stwater.co.uk/password or call us on 08457 500 500.
