Bellarine Police have warned Ocean Grove residents to be wary of a dodgy door knocker weaseling his way into people’s homes as a phoney gas company representative.
Senior Sergeant Gary Coombes was concerned the man was using his disguise to stake out potential burglary victims’ homes.
At least three people in Fernwood Court had contacted police to report a man knocking on their door after 7pm on Thursday and Friday nights last week.
The man had asked the householders whether he could check their gas bills for discrepancies.
“Enquiries with the gas companies confirmed they wouldn’t call into customers’ homes at that time of night. Their hours are 8am to 4pm,” Sen Sgt Coombes said.
“We suspect it’s a guise so they can get into people’s homes to see what they can take or to see whether anybody is home,” he said.
Sen Sgt Coombes urged residents encountered someone claiming to represent a utility company to not let them into their houses and to ask for identification.
“Also try to take note of their appearance and the vehicle they may have used.”
Police also wanted to hear from anyone else who had received a suspicious visit in recent weeks.
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