Police issue warning over bogus workmen preying on vulnerable in Doncaster

It comes after two incidents in the town yesterday, where bogus workmen called at homes claiming there were problems with the water supply in the area.

In one incident, a 75-year-old man, who was ill in bed, woke up to find a stranger standing over him in his Gordon Square home, Stainforth, demanding that he got up as there was an emergency with the water.

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Detective Sergeant Claire Moss said: “The man, who was ill, got up and dressed, and was told to stand in the bathroom and watch the taps running. Thankfully, the victim suspected something wasn't quite right and followed the suspect downstairs, where two further men were looking around his home.”

All three men ran out of the back door and reportedly fled along a service road onto Church Road, before getting into a grey car.

They were all white and wore face coverings and dark clothing.

Two of the men were of a stocky build and in their 20s or 30s, while the third man was younger and slimmer.

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The first incident, 45 minutes earlier, occurred at around 1pm on Doncaster Road, Kirk Sandall.

DS Moss said: Two white men with foreign accents conned their way into the house, claiming they needed to switch off the stop cock and run the water as they had hit a water main while taking down a neighbour's tree.

“One of the men went upstairs alone while the other stayed downstairs with two of the residents, however a third resident was upstairs and kept a close eye on the offender. Luckily, the men left empty handed.”

DS Moss added: “Fortunately, it is not believed that anything was taken in either of these incidents, but it was still a very unsettling ordeal for the residents and enquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible. The incidents also serve as a reminder to us all to keep our homes secure and follow crime prevention advice.”

Anyone with information should call South Yorkshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

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