21/07/2008
Bogus callers warning
Liverpool City Council is warning residents to be vigilant for fraudsters posing as environmental services officers.
In the Norris Green area of the city, two men wearing high-visibility jackets and driving a caged vehicle, have been seen taking goods left out for Bulky Bob's - the city's white goods and furniture collection service. In other cases, the men have been knocking on resident's doors asking if they need any white goods taken away.
It is believed any white goods taken would be stripped for their scrap metal which can be sold on, and then dumped in one of the city's communities.
The city council's executive member for the environment, Councillor Berni Turner, said: "These men are not only preying on vulnerable residents, but are without a doubt committing environmental crimes by dumping the leftover scrap they don't need.
"We're asking residents to be especially vigilant. All of the city council's environment team and its contractors have ID badges and will drive clearly marked vehicles representing the service they are operating.
"The message is: do not let any strangers into your house, always ask anyone who visits your home for ID and report anything suspicious to the city council's environmental team."
The city council is working with Merseyside Police to identify the bogus officials.
Anyone with concerns relating to the collection of household goods through the Bulky Bob's service can contact Liverpool Direct on 0151 233 3001.
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