Be wary of bogus callers

In Battle two men posed as waterboard officials to gain entry to the house of an elderly lady. They told her they had come to fix a blocked drain, and asked her to wait by the taps while they made a search of the property - however nothing was stolen.

There was also an incident of a man knocking on the door and claiming there was a problem with a shed and that he could return later to repair it.

While the owner was speaking to him another man gained entry to the property and stole 100 in cash from her bedroom.

Other similar events have taken place in Peacehaven and Eastbourne and now Inspector Dan Russell at Bexhill police station is warning people locally to be aware of bogus callers.

He said: "This is happening in mainly rural areas and Bexhill has not been hit that much, but these people do tend to prey on the vulnerable - which is why it is important that neighbours are vigilant and report anything suspicious.

"Neighbourhood Watch is really getting involved in this, and it is just about looking out for your neighbour really...if there is anyone suspicious that you don't know visiting a neighbour then please phone us."

Sussex Police have issued advice on appropriate action to take when strangers knock at the door:

- Take your time - a genuine caller will wait.

- Look and see who is there, using the door viewer or a window.

- If you do not recognise the person use your door chain or door bar

- Check all doors are locked..burglars often work in pairs, so one may come round the back why you're being distracted at the front door.

- Always ask for identification, but remember

- ID cars are easy to copy. If in doubt, ask them to wait and call their company to check - one again, a genuine caller will not mind.

- Use your phone book or utility bill to find the number: don't accept a mobile number offered to you by the caller.

- You do not have to let people in and if you are uncertain then don't, however persuasive or plausible the caller is. It is better that a genuine caller is turned away than a burglar is allowed inside.

Call Sussex Police with information on 0845 60 70 999.