Possible Door-to-Door Conmen Target Hitchin

Door-to-door scammers could be targeting Hitchin residents according North Herts District Council (NHDC).

The warning follows reports of a man and a woman knocking on doors in Wilshere Crescent, Hitchin.  They claimed to be working for the Council and said they would be installing solar panels on roofs in the area.  One of the households was suspicious and reported the matter to North Hertfordshire Homes which subsequently alerted NHDC and the Police.

The Council and North Hertfordshire Homes can both confirm that they are in any way involved in knocking on doors making offers to fit solar panels.  If anyone is suspicious of someone claiming to be from the Council making this or any other kind of offer, they should report it to the Council and contact Hertfordshire Police.

Cllr Bernard Lovewell, NHDC's portfolio holder for housing and environmental health, said: "It seems that these people are going around impersonating Council officers in order to try and gain the trust of people.  We are not certain what their precise motives are, but it does seem to be clear that some kind of scam is going on."

North Herts Safer Neighbourhoods Inspector Jason Thorne added: "If you have any concerns about people acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to report it.

"If it is a legitimate company canvassing, then they won't mind us checking their credentials. Hitchin is a safe place to live and work but we would always advise residents to follow our general advice."

If a stranger calls – Not sure? Don't open the door!

If you are not expecting anyone and you don't recognise them, don't let them into your home.  Be aware, bogus callers can be very convincing and will often pretend to be representing the authorities or a utility company; a genuine caller won't mind coming back at a time when you can arrange to have somebody you trust with you.

If you are expecting a caller:

Only open your door when you are happy that you know the person. If you can't see who is calling and need to open the door, use your door chain and ask for identification or a pre-arranged password before you let them in."