ANGLIAN Water is urging extra caution over possible bogus callers in Essex after company branded work clothes were stolen during a burglary at one of its sites.
The company is working tirelessly with Essex Police to track down the thief, who was caught on CCTV breaking into the site in Witham.
Now, the firm, which is responsible for sewage across the county, is warning its customers to be watchful of anyone claiming to be from the company, and to report anyone who cannot provide identification.
Antony Innes, from Anglian Water, said: "The message is simple: be on your guard, and if in doubt, check. Every single genuine Anglian Water employee always carries their ID with them, and will be very happy to wait while a customer inspects this card and calls us on 0800 145 145 to verify the person is who they say they are, any time, day or night.
"If you are not expecting a visit from us, or suspect the person at your door is not who they say they are, then please call us to check. Our freephone number is manned 24/7 and our staff will never pressure you to enter your home.
"There is no need to be embarrassed, and our staff expect to be challenged on the doorstep."
The warning comes because so-called distraction burglaries, where conmen trick their way into the homes of vulnerable or elderly people in order to steal, are more common.
In many cases, criminals pretend to be from the 'water board' calling to investigate a problem, and distract the resident while an accomplice gains entry to the house.
Antony added: "While on the phone, we will be able to describe the person on your doorstep and give you their unique number. Only a genuine Anglian Water employee will be able to tell you what their unique number is and if they can't then the advice is simple: Don't let them in and call the police.
"Those who want additional security can also register a password with us so that any time one of our representatives visits your home they will show you their identity card and will also be able to tell you the password you have registered."
