POLICE across North Yorkshire are warning the public to be on their guard following a series of incidents involving bogus callers pretending to be police officers.

A number of vulnerable, elderly people have been targeted over the past week by smartly dressed men claiming to be plain-clothed police officers investigating reports of crime in the area. In some cases, they threaten the householder with violence.

The latest incident occurred in Thirsk on Monday night (28 January), while similar incidents have been reported in Ripon, Harrogate, Whitby, Scarborough and Norton, near Malton, over the past week.

At around 8.30pm on Monday, a house in Hambleton Close, Thirsk, was burgled after entry was gained through a bedroom window. The suspects escaped with cash and a number of personal items. Minutes later, two men called at the neighbouring house, claiming to be police officers investigating the burglary at the house next door and said they needed to search the house. The men put their foot in the doorway but were refused entry by the householder and left empty-handed.

The men in this incident were described as one in his early 20s, around 5ft10, wearing a navy-blue water-proof jacket, navy-blue trousers, and a navy baseball cap with yellow trim. The other man was aged in his 50s and dressed in a similar fashion.

Sergeant Nigel Farthing of Scarborough CID, who is investigating the incidents, said: "This is a despicable crime, targeting vulnerable people in their own homes and claiming to be people with whom the public place a lot of trust.

"Our advice to residents is do not let anyone into your home unless you are sure that you know who they are, or you are expecting them. If you are unsure, contact the organisation they claim to represent. Ask them to post a business card or organisation telephone number through the letterbox and ask them to wait outside while you check. A genuine caller will be happy to wait.

"Police officers making calls at the homes of vulnerable or elderly people would always wear uniform and be in a marked police vehicle. If you have any doubts about someone claiming to be a police officer, or any other official, call us on 0845 60 60 247. If they refuse to leave or if you feel threatened, call 999 immediately. A police officer will not be offended if you ask him or her to wait outside.

"We also appeal to relatives, friends and neighbours of elderly people to ensure they have adequate security and discuss advice on how to deal with cold-callers. Reassure them that keeping someone waiting at the door is not impolite. A door chain is a useful way to prevent access to someone you are unsure of. Make them aware that all callers must carry identification and if they have any doubts, do not let them in."

Officers are appealing for anyone who has seen any suspicious activity, has any information relating to the incidents, or has been the victim of a similar incident, to contact North Yorkshire Police on 0845 60 60 247, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.