Bogus police in Shire Oak, but be vigilant all over the area. Imagery from Bing! Maps.

I notice yet again issues locally with bogus callers and con merchants preying on the elderly and vulnerable – and now there have been reports that in the St. Marks Road area of Shire Oak in the last few days, people posing as police officers have been operating.

A worried resident said:

Just to let folks know there were two bogus people posing as police officers in St Marks Road yesterday asking if anybody under 60 lived at a property.

The real police have been informed, if anyone has any more information about it could you please pass it on to the police.

Thank you

This is clearly a worrying development, and tell your friends and relatives to keep doors and windows secure, use a door chain, and don’t let anyone into their house they’re not sure of – even the Police won’t mind if you phone up and check the credentials of officers at the door.

Please tell your relatives and neighbours about these ratbags, and impress upon them how important it is not to buy from, or accept services at the door, no matter how plausible the people offering them. Genuine companies will always contact you by other means.

Explain that no official body will turn up unannounced demanding money for services like gardening, drain cleaning, tree pruning etc., and that if they are at all unsure of any caller, to close the door and contact the police.

Scumbags engaged in the robbing of OAPs are lower than a snake’s knees, and I find it shocking and disturbing that the lady concerned was unable to contact the police. I shall draw this unfortunate situation to their attention.

Please,  if you have any further information relating to any such incidents, or if you witnessed something suspicious please contact West Midlands Police by dialling 101 (999 in an emergency, obviously) or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.