A NATIONWIDE crime initiative is being mounted to combat bogus callers posing as water board officials.

North West Water has joined forces with police to distribute around 50,000 stickers warning customers to check the identification of people calling at their home.

It follows a spate of con men tricking their way into houses throughout Widnes.

Several old people, living alone, have fallen prey to distraction burglaries.

Two men posing as water board officials recently stole an old woman's life savings after telling her they were checking her supply. One distracted her in the kitchen while his accomplice sneaked upstairs and ransacked through her bedroom.

The warning stickers will be distributed throughout the country by local neighbourhood watch groups, initially concentrating on elderly residents.

It is hoped they will act as a reminder to householders to always verify the identity of callers they don't know or are not expecting.

Paul Holt, North West Water's operations manager, said: "We are delighted to be able to support this worthwhile initiative. Anything which makes householders feel that little bit safer in their own homes has to be a great idea.

"In the majority of cases there is no reason for a North West Water employee or contractor to request entry to your property without having made a prior appointment. All our employees carry identity cards which customers should ask to see and examine."

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