Police are reminding residents to remain vigilant when unexpected callers knock at the door.

The warning comes following a theft from a vehicle in Briars Lane, Hatfield, where the offender(s) stole a high-visibility jacket with a water company logo on. The incident occurred between February 26 and 28.

Distraction burglars will often enter homes to steal items under the pretence that they are working for a utility company and have come to make checks or read meters.

They will often wear some kind of uniform that makes them more convincing, such as a high-visibility jacket.

If an unexpected caller does knock at your door, police are urging residents to make checks to ensure they are genuine before letting them into their homes.

All genuine callers should be wearing identity cards which verify who they are. If you are unsure, do not be afraid to ask the caller to wait outside while you telephone the company to check whether the caller is working on their behalf.

Acting sergeant Paul Boutureira said: “I would like to take this opportunity to remind people to be vigilant around unexpected callers. If you are not expecting anyone and you don’t recognise them, don’t let them into your home.

“Bogus callers can look and act very convincingly but a genuine caller won’t mind you taking steps to verify they are who they say they are, or coming back at a time when you can arrange to have somebody you trust with you.”

Anyone who has any information about the theft, or believes they have been approached by a bogus caller is asked to contact police on the non-emergency number 101.