RESIDENTS are being urged to check for identification when someone calls at their door after three attempted distraction burglaries occurred yesterday (Wednesday, August 26) in Chester and Ellesmere Port.

At 11.30am two men called at a house in Princes Road, Ellesmere Port, claiming to be from the water board and needing to check the resident’s water supply.

The elderly woman asked for identification from the men and when they could not provide any she refused them entry and called the police.

At 2pm a man also called at the door of a lady in her 80s in Ash Bank, Guilden Sutton, claiming he was from the water board and there was poison in the system.

She allowed him into her house and while she was distracted another man also entered and searched the upstairs rooms. Nothing is believed to have been stolen.

Half an hour earlier a similar method was used to try and gain entry to another house in Queen’s Road, Vicars Cross. The occupant let the man into the house and called the police and the utility company to report the incident.

One of the men is described as white, about 5ft 10ins tall and in his mid 30s.

Detective Sergeant Mike Ankers said: “I would remind residents to ask any stranger who calls at their homes for identification. Genuine callers will not be offended and utility companies encourage this practice.

“If you are still not convinced, do not let them in, instead find a number for the company they claim to be from and call to check their credentials. If you are at all suspicious, call the police.”

Police are not ruling out the possibility that these incidents are linked to two others in Frodsham and Weaverham on Monday, August 23.

At 1pm an elderly woman in Martin Road, Frodsham, answered the door to a man claiming to be from the water board. He told her a pipe had burst further along the road and he needed to check her water.

The victim let him into the house where he was joined by a second man.

However, the woman became suspicious when they both wore gloves to turn on the taps. She asked them to leave and nothing was stolen.

The first man is described as white, 5ft 9ins tall of medium build with black, slicked back hair. He was in his mid 30s, clean shaven and was wearing a navy jacket.

The second man was also white, aged in his mid 30s and 5ft 6ins tall. He was stocky and had short light coloured hair and was wearing a light grey jacket.

Just 45 minutes later a woman in Leigh Way, Weaverham, received a similar call to her door.

This time the man told her there had been a burst pipe and some of her neighbours had been taken to hospital.

The woman asked for identification and when the man could not produce any, she refused him entry and called the police.

The man was described as tall, white, in his late 20s and was wearing a navy blue outfit.

DS Ankers added: “As this incident shows, these types of criminals will travel from one town or village to the next and usual target elderly or vulnerable people.

“I would encourage people to keep an eye on their elderly friends, family and neighbours and if they notice anyone suspicious in the area, call the police.”

A spokesman for Dee Valley Water, whose customers have been targeted, said: “If someone claiming to work for the water board calls without a prior appointment, you should ask them to wait outside whilst you ask to see their identification card and check the details with Dee Valley Water by telephoning 01978 846946.

“Alternatively a Dee Valley Water representative will always be happy to return at a later pre-arranged date and time if you prefer.”

To report suspicious activity in your area contact Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000. In an emergency, dial 999.