POLICE have warned of the activities of bogus council officers making unannounced home ‘visits’ attempting to dupe hopuseholders.

The con men struck in villages on the outskirts of Gateshead yesterday, but they may strike further afield using the excise of problems associated with the cold snap as a means to try to gain entry to homes.

In the first incident a man claiming to be a council official called at a home in the Wrekenton area asking to check the water supply, following an explosion in a neighbour’s boiler.

The householder was asked to empty the cupboard under the sink and while she was distracted the caller entered other rooms apparently looking for cash.

He left empty handed after about ten minutes, at around 4pm.

The man, wearing dark blue overalls, is described as around 30-years-old, white, approximately 5ft 4ins and of slim build, with very dark hair and a stubbly complexion.

In the second incident, little more than half-an-hour later, a man claiming to be a council official visited a house in Kibblesworth claiming he needed to turn off the stopcock due to a nearby burst water main.

The householder refused to allow him in and he left in the direction of Sunniside.

He is described as being in his 40s, thick-set, and wearing a navy coat.

Acting Detective Inspector Jim McErlane, of Northumbria Police’s Gateshead area command, said: "I would always advise people never to allow anyone into their home unless they are happy that they are who them claim to be.

"It is possible bogus callers might see this as an ideal time to target homes, claiming they are there to fix problems caused by the recent cold weather.

"If they’re genuine they won’t mind coming back or having their credentials checked."

Anyone who sees anything suspicious or who has information about either incident is asked to contact Gateshead CID, on (03456) 043043, extension 69191, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, on (0800) 555111.