Keep them out this Christmas

Keep them out this Christmas.

That’s the message from Wigan Council’s Trading Standards team after a series of terrifying doorstep confrontations in the borough.

In recent weeks the consumer champs have received a number of reports of a gang of three men who have been going door-to-door.

Chief Trading Standards Officer Julie Middlehurst explains:

“The reports we have received suggest that these three men are knocking on doors and offering their services for various property repairs, including fencing and roofing. On other occasions they have claimed to be looking for scrap metal.

“They have used this as a ruse to get into the house to search for items to steal. However on at least one occasion these crooks have abandoned any pretence and simply barged past the homeowner to get in.”

In several cases victims have suffered being held down on a bed or chair, locked in the bathroom. One had a cloth held over their face while another was threatened with a candlestick.

Reports have also suggested the men have been armed with hammers and other tools. In each case the victims have reported varying amounts of money being stolen.

Along with the police, Wigan Council’s Trading Standards team has pioneered a number of ‘No Cold Calling’ zones in the borough and the message is to not answer your door to people who turn up unannounced.

Julie adds:

“These crooks are particularly nasty and they seem to be as brutal as they are cowardly. In each case the victims have been older people, many have been over 80 and one was 102.

“These attacks have been taking place in Merseyside, but we’ve also had victims in Ashton and Bryn. So we’re asking everyone to take care.”

The first attacker is in his early 20s and between 5’11’’ and six feet tall. He’s slim wit short black hair and has a spiky fringe. He wears a dark sweater and jeans.

The second in slightly shorter and older with dark hair; the third is a pale, light-haired and in his early 20s.

Witnesses have said that a dark blue Volkswagen Golf may be linked to these attacks. 

“Don’t let these thugs spoil your Christmas,” says Julie. “Most of these attacks happened because people left their doors unlocked. If you have to answer the door, always use your chain but if you have any suspicions at all just don’t go to the door.
“We would also ask people who have older neighbours to keep a look-out on their behalf if you see any strange activity call the police straight away.” 

• In an emergency don’t be afraid to dial 999. 
• All non-emergency concerns can be reported on 0161 872 5050.