‘It’s very dangerous for older people’
Police file picture(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
Local residents have been warning neighbours of door knocks in the middle of the night in areas in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
The door knocks, which are happening in the early hours of the morning, are from people who have been asking for money from homeowners.
The incidents have been reported in Mangotsfield, Hillfields and Fishponds.
Social media posts said that people have been trying to force entry into people’s homes by a number of excuses, including retrieving a lost mobile phone or asking for money.
One resident told BristolLive: “It’s very dangerous for older people.”
One of the posts warned vulnerable residents: “Stay safe and don’t answer the door, but report to the police.”
One person commented: “Imagine all the elderly and vulnerable people’s doors [that] they have knocked on.”
Residents have complained to Avon and Somerset Police, who said that it was aware of a number of incidents.
The police force said that it recognises the distress and concern which this has caused many people in the local community to feel.
It added that it is taking steps to identify the people involved and urges anyone affected by these incidents to contact the force.
Neighbourhood Inspector Barny Mabbett said: “We are aware of a number of incidents in the Mangotsfield, Fishponds and Hillfields areas in which people have been approached at home in the early hours of the morning and asked for money.
“We recognise and fully appreciate the concern and distress this has caused many in our communities and neighbourhood officers are working to identify the people responsible.
“As part of this work, we would urge anyone who is approached to immediately call 999 and report it to us, giving the call handler the reference number 5225129994.
“Call 101 with any other information.”