POLICE are urging Darlington residents to be extra vigilant after a report of a bogus caller operating in the Cockerton area.

An incident was reported to police in which a resident of Cockerton West answered the door to a man claiming he was visiting from the council to assess building work, specifically whether anything needed painting.

The man presented a laminated piece of paper as identification and asked the occupant to make sure that all the house doors were open in order for him to be able to assess what work was needed.

Fortunately the resident’s suspicions were aroused and he told the man that he did not have time just then.

After the caller left, the resident contacted Darlington Council to check whether they were sending people out to assess building work, even though he knew that the council always notifies people when there are plans to do this.

Unsurprisingly, when the council officer checked with the maintenance department, they were able to confirm that no-one had been sent out by them.

The bogus official is described as around 5’9”, with slightly wavy hair and he was wearing a dark blue fleece.

If you are at all suspicious about someone calling at your door, let Darlington Police know by calling the non-emergency number 101.