A 90yr old woman in Formby has car stolen after being tricked by bogus callers

Three men knocked on the 90-year-old's door and asked for a drink of water before driving off in her car.

A 90-year-old woman was tricked into getting a glass of water for men who took her keys and drove away in her car. The men knocked on the pensioner’s house in Formby on Friday night and distracted her by asking for a glass of water, before taking her car keys and driving off.

She raised the alarm and police later arrested three men who have been charged with burglary and aggravated, unauthorised taking of a motor vehicle.

The woman’s car was later found, but Merseyside Police are now warning others of the dangers of letting cold-callers into your home.

Formby and Ainsdale neighbourhood inspector Jim Atherton advised residents follow simple steps to avoid being stung by a cold-caller.

He said: “The best way to stop all the issued with cold callers is to simply not answer the door to them.

“A cold-caller is anyone who you don’t know who calls at your door unannounced. They don’t always have to be selling something and there can be a variety of stories they will give you in order to get you to allow them in.”

Police are also advising residents check for proper identification before engaging with someone on the front door.

Inspector Jim Atherton added: “Genuine, legitimate callers will always make an appointment first and will always carry proper identification. They will not mind waiting outside while you look up their company and call to check who they are.

“And if you still have any doubts, ask them to come back another time when you can have a friend, neighbour or relative with you.

“The main thing to remember is that you don’t have to answer your door to them and it is not rude or impolite not to let them in.”

Neighbours are also being encouraged to help protect elderly or vulnerable people who may be more inclined to let a stranger into their home.

Jim Atherton said: “Neighbours can also play a big part in helping protect the more elderly or vulnerable members of our community by keeping an eye out for them, making sure they are OK and reporting anything untoward or suspicious to the police.”

Story source: Liverpool Echo