Identity Theft Warning

Thames Valley Police have issued the following warning about attempts at Identity Theft in our area.

Police have been investigating reports received, of two men attending addresses in Aylesbury Vale purporting to be delivering leaflets.

Police have been investigating reports received during the month of May and early June, of two men attending addresses in the villages and towns to the north of Aylesbury Vale purporting to be delivering leaflets.

Residents have raised concerns that mail and other items have been stolen from their letter boxes following these visits. Of particular focus has been properties with letter boxes located on external walls or gateways.

Witnesses describe two men, both black and in their 20s wearing fluorescent jackets, driving a white, Vauxhall Corsa derived van. Investigating Officer Det Con Lucie Roberts from Aylesbury police station said, "We're grateful to the residents of Aylesbury Vale who have contacted us with their concerns about these leaflet posters.

"I'd encourage anyone who may have seen them during the last few weeks, or has information about their activity, to please call us on 101.

"Personal details taken through mail box theft can be used for fraudulent activity. It is always advisory to check your accounts or credit sources to ensure all is in order."

Police have the following information for anyone concerned about unsolicited callers attending their property:

make sure your back door is locked before answering the front door
use a door chain when opening the door
ask for identification and check it carefully before letting anyone in
ask them to come back when someone else is at home with you
direct people asking for help to a nearby shop or other public place, don't let them in
keep all valuables and keys out of sight and out of reach of doors and windows
don't leave spare keys in obvious places such as under doormats or plant pots
consider joining or forming a Neighbourhood Watch scheme

In the case of letter box security:

don't leave keys in mailbox locks
allow letters to fall through the letter box and avoid collecting them in cages attached to the door.
if you are away for a number of days, consider asking a neighbour to collect newspapers/letters from your mailbox during your absence

You can report information to police via the 101 non-emergency telephone number. If you witness a crime in action, always dial 999.