�Residents are being asked to be vigilant after a series of bogus caller reports.

Gooshays Safer Neighbourhoods Team attended Harold Hill festival in Central Park, Harold Hill, to provided crime prevention advice, literature and equipment following incidents of thieves posing as gardeners and handymen trying to get into people’s homes and steal cash.

‘Elderly’

PCSO Alana Yeomans said: “There have been a number of recent reports involving conmen knocking at the door of local residents.

“Although many of the victims have been elderly, this is not always the case.

“The suspects knock with a variety of excuses such as offering to do gardening work or odd jobs although these stories often change.

“The suspects then con their way into the victim’s premises and steal cash and other items.

“The team ensured that local residents were made aware of this type of crime and asked to be vigilant, either for themselves or elderly neighbours.”

It wasn’t all hard work as PCSO Yeomans was asked to join in a workshop hosted by the Academy of African Arts.