Elderly residents are being urged to beware of gold buyers who are calling at homes and leaving sellers shortchanged.The message has been issued by Warwickshire Police after unexpected callers attended a Nuneaton address.
Originally one male caller knocked at the door of the property, asking the elderly occupants if they had gold in the house that they would like to sell.
After talking for 45 minutes a second man appeared at the door and asked the residents to lay out any jewellery they had.
After examining the jewellery the caller gave the occupants just £50 for a number of items including a watch and gold chains but the pieces were valuable and worth much more.
George Stepney, crime prevention manager for Warwickshire Police, said: “Clearly the jewellery they sold was worth a lot more than £50 and we are keen to alert other people in the wider community in case they too are approached.
"We are also asking local dealers to be vigilant and ask appropriate questions as to the origins of property presented to them before they buy.
"Trust your instincts if you are suspicious because of the number of items, the circumstances or because it is repeated business - please call the police to discuss any concerns you may have."
The buyers who targeted the Nuneaton property left a mobile number, allowing family of the occupants to track them down.
The pair have agreed to return some of the jewellery but there will not always be a positive end result.
As well as warning the elderly, officers are also asking the friends and relatives of pensioners to look out for them to ensure they are not being ripped off.
Residents are being advised to keep doors locked and on safety chains until all callers are identified, including who they are and where they are from. If unsure about their motives call up the company to verify and if still unsure call the police on 999.
Anyone with information about bogus callers can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 9:36 pm