Residents in the Scartho Road area of Grimsby are being advised to be vigilant to bogus callers who may be operating in the area.

Two incidents have been brought to the attention of police recently involving a woman calling at properties in the area purporting to be offering cleaning services.

The woman has also been reported to try to befriend vulnerable residents and on occasion has returned to the properties with two small children.

The woman has made claims that one of the accompanying children needed the toilet to gain access to the address and has taken cash whilst the householder was distracted.

Police would like to remind residents to exercise caution when allowing callers into their homes and reiterate the following advice:

LOCK, STOP, CHAIN and CHECK: When someone calls at your door and offers to do repairs to your home or to ask for urgent help, or when someone official knocks on your door, follow these simple steps to help protect yourself and your home from bogus callers.

Visit our web site for more information on staying safe at home: http://www.humberside.police.uk/staying-safe-at-home/crime-reduction/distraction-burglars-and-rogue-traders