South Wales Police in Bridgend have arrested and charged two men, aged 46 and 18 years old, from the Cardiff area following the theft of paving stones from a property in Heol Y Cyw.
The two were seen loading a quantity of flag stones into a white van and were later arrested by police in the Church Village area. They have also been charged with a similar offence in the Llantrisant area.
Sergeant Gareth Morgan from Bridgend police said: “I am asking the public to be vigilante when dealing with cold-callers or if they witness any suspicious activity in their area, in particular by so called rag and bone traders.”
Police also advise residents to follow the Police Doorstep Code and not allow any strangers into their homes.
Distraction burglars use a variety of tactics to deceive the victim to get into their home to steal valuables. They often claim to be from the water board, an electricity company, local council or other organisations and they will try to pressurise or confuse the person who answers the door.
When a stranger calls at your door, follow the Police Doorstep Code:
- When someone unexpectedly calls at your door, take a look out of the window. If you do not recognise them, don’t open your door to them.
- Make sure both your front and back doors are locked.
- Ask them to post their details through your door but do not open your door.
- If you don’t know them, ask them to leave.
- If they claim to be from a utility company, ask them to call back when a relative or friend will be there with you.
- If the person refuses to go away, ring South Wales Police immediately on 999 and report it to them. Try to provide a description of the person, vehicle or anything else that seems suspicious.
- Talk to your family and friends about this caller and consider talking to your neighbours about any suspicious activity just in case the same scam is tried on them.
Sergeant Morgan added: “I encourage residents, especially the elderly, to be suspicious and to be aware of doorstep crime.
“I am also appealing to members of the community to look out for the more vulnerable members of society to ensure they are safe in their homes.”
Anyone with information should contact Bridgend CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
