A BOGUS cop who stole a South Tyneside woman’s computer is today being hunted by the police.
At 1.43pm yesterday, a woman in her 40s reported that a man had knocked on her door at Hertford Avenue, South Shields, claiming to be from the police, and had taken her computer away ‘for analysis’.
He was about 50, 6ft tall with a shaved head, of stocky build, and was wearing a dark suit and pale blue shirt. He spoke with a local accent.
Police are reminding people to be vigilant and ensure they check any cold callers for identification.
Detective Sergeant Ed Hedley of South Tyneside CID said: “I’d like to remind people to ensure they check carefully the identification of anyone who cold calls at their address, and ensure they wait outside while the resident checks with the relevant organisation.
“It’s also important that people don’t let anyone into their home who they don’t know, and never hand over any property or cash to people who cold-call at their door.
“Any witnesses to this incident, anyone who saw suspicious activity or who has seen this man in the area is asked to contact police as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information can call police on 101 ext 69191, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.