Warning for residents after two suspicious incidents

Police have issued advice on answering doors to strangers after separate incidents in Newbury and Hungerford

WEST Berkshire residents are being warned to be on their guard after two suspicious incidents in Newbury and Hungerford on Thursday (April 14).

In the first incident, a resident in Glendale Avenue, Newbury, reported that a man called at their property wanting to read the gas meter, but when he was asked for identification he was unable to produce it and subsequently left.

The second incident, which occurred at about 10am in Ramsbury Drive, Hungerford, saw an elderly woman answer the door to a man who claimed to work for British Gas and said he had an appointment.

The occupant told the man she needed to get ready and he left stating that he had the wrong house.

Police said nothing appeared to have been stolen from the property, while they said a description of the man was that he was white and about 40 years of age.

Police added that although it was not known if the two incidents were connected, residents were reminded to look out for vulnerable and elderly members in their community.

In addition, police said people should always keep their front and back doors locked, never open the door to a stranger without having the chain or bar on the door and to always check for identification if they say they are from a company.

Anyone with any information on the recent incidents should contact police on 0845 8 505 505, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.