Over the last week, a number of offences have been reported to police across the force where bogus “Waterboard” and Dyno-rod officials have tricked their way into homes before stealing cash, purses and wallets.

Darren Taylor, acting sergeant on the Doorstep Crime Team consisting of police and Trading Standards officers, said: “Offenders have been knocking on doors, unfortunately targeting elderly and more vulnerable people, and claiming they are fixing water leaks and burst pipes in the road.

“A common theme in these offences is that victims are being told that there is blue dye in the water, and they need the victim to run the kitchen taps to check the system.

If you believe that you have seen or been visited by these offenders then please report it to the police on 0845 456 7000. If you have any information that may help catch these offenders call 0845 456 7000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Top tips for staying safe

• Always make sure visitors to your home are who they say they are by asking to see their identification.
• Do not use any telephone numbers provided by the caller, as they may be bogus. Always use a number from your utility bill or a phone book.
• ‘Water Boards’ no longer exist, it is an obsolete phrase used only by bogus callers.
• Ensure that if you do let somebody in to your home, that you close the door behind them – distraction burglars often work in teams, where one will distract you while another sneaks in through the insecure door.
• Always close and lock the back door before answering the front door.

LOCK: Keep your front and back doors locked, even when you are at home.

STOP: Before you answer, stop and think if you are expecting anyone. Check that you have locked any back doors and taken the key out. Look through the spy hole or the window to see who it is.

CHAIN: If you decide to open the door, put the door chain or bar on first.

CHECK: If someone who looks official calls at your door, always ask for their identity card; do they look like the person on the card? If you do not have a chain, ask for ID to be put through the letterbox and remember there’s no such thing as the water board.

Visit the Force website on www.avonandsomerset.police.uk where you can also sign up to receive local news and alerts, Crimestoppers appeals and job details, direct to your inbox – on http://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/Interactive/