Police crack down on bogus callers in Spelthorne

Seven people were arrested for a number of crimes, which include driving while disqualified, making off without payment from petrol stations, and potential fraud.

Four vehicles were seized and six drivers summonsed to court for crimes including talking on a mobile phone, and VOSA officers stopped seven vehicles as well.

The police also issued 14 fixed penalty notices for people who drove without wearing a seatbelt, driving without an MOT, and driving without insurance.

One hundred and sixty vehicles were also stopped in roads in Staines, Stanwell, Ashford, Sunbury Common, Lower Sunbury, and Shepperton.

Spelthorne inspector Rebecca Kempster said: "The winter months traditionally see a rise in offences where elderly and vulnerable people are targeted by cynical offenders.

"Distraction burglars use a variety of methods to gain entry to the victim's home, including pretending to be a police officer or from the council, before taking cash and jewellery.

"Rogue traders often try and persuade people to have unnecessary repair work carried out for an exaggerated price, which is rarely carried out or completed to a poor standard."

The police are calling for OAPs to follow a procedure when answering the door called the 'Lock, Stop, Chain, Check,' process, which involves locking windows when home, to stop and think when someone comes to the door, to put a chain on before answering, and to ask for identification.

PC Kempster said: "The crimes are always particularly upsetting as the offenders normally target the most vulnerable members.

"As we approach the Christmas period we are asking for people to talk to their elderly or vulnerable relatives and friends about the callers, and to give them advice so they don't fall prey to this type of crime."