Warning after £35k stolen in drain scam

Sussex Police has raised the alarm about a drain repair scam and called on people to inform protect elderly friends, family and neighbours.

The force said it had seen a number of reports across the county of criminals targeting older people by pretending to be from the council.

It added that suspects are knocking on doors and claiming payment is needed to repair drains.

Victims were then asked to hand over their bank card and PIN to process the payment before the suspects fled with the card, police said.

More than £35,000 has already been stolen across seven reported incidents in June, the force added.

It urged people to never hand their bank card or PIN to anyone.

A genuine council worker will never ask to take a bank card or request this information, it said.

"If you're unsure who is at your door, don't let them in," said Sussex Police.

"Verify their identity by contacting the organisation directly".

"If you believe you've been targeted, contact your bank immediately and report it to us."

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