DETECTIVES are warning elderly residents to be vigilant after a man impersonating a police officer targeted the home of an 86-year-old man in Farnham on Friday, April 22. The man called at the house in Lawday Link, Upper Hale, at 12-45 pm. He claimed to be from the police and produced a white ID card in a black wallet with "Metropolitan Police" written on it. He said that the police were in the area searching for stolen money that had been hidden in a house. The bogus caller was refused entry into the pensioner's home, but said he would have a look around anyway and made his way to be back of the property. After peering through the back window, he drifted casually back to the front of the house and walked off in the direction of Folly Hill. It appears that nothing was taken from the pensioner's home on this occasion. The bogus police officer is described as white with dark short hair which is longer on top, clean shaven, 5 ft 9ins to 5ft 10ins tall, of medium build, aged in his late 20s. He was wearing a black suit with a shirt and tie. Detectives would like to hear from anyone who has any information or may have had a similar experience. They can contact Dc Ian Paley on 0845 125 2222 or call Crimestoppers anonymously and free of charge on 0800 555 111. West Surrey Police would like to remind elderly residents to be vigilant when unknown callers come to the door and offer the following advice: • Make sure your front door has a spy hole and door chain – always use the chain when opening the door. • Never a let a stranger into the house unless you are satisfied with their identification. If you're still not sure, ring and check with their employers, making sure you close the door in the meantime. Police officers always carry warrant cards as identification, but if in doubt as to its authenticity always check with your local station. If you are at all worried, ring the police.
