Warning as scammer claims to be police officer

Officers are warning people in Gloucester to be vigilant after a man claiming to be a police officer attempted to con his way into a house.

The man, who claimed to be part of the Constabulary, had requested entry at a property in Slaney Street on Tuesday between 6.45pm and 7pm. He said that he was part of a team in the area checking the security of doors and windows.

On this particular occasion the home owner was very security conscious and demanded to see identification. The caller claimed he had left it in his car but did not return after saying that he would get it.

The man is described as being between 5ft 10ins and 5ft 11ins, with a dark, stubbly goatee beard and with a tattoo on the left-hand side of his neck.

Police are now reminding people, particularly those who are elderly or vulnerable, to challenge any suspicious individuals and ask to see identification before letting them in. Once the member of public has been provided with ID by the officer, they should then ask the officer to wait outside while they contact 101 to confirm their credentials. 

Anyone with information about the man or who may have seen him in the area should contact Gloucestershire Constabulary on 101, quoting incident 163 of 20 May.

Information can also be submitted via the Constabulary's online form: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/