RESIDENTS have been warned to look out for bogus callers claiming to be government workers who need to inspect lofts.

Two men were seen knocking on doors in Bournemouth Park Road, Southend, yesterday.

When residents answered, the men produced ID cards purporting to show they were from a government department.

However, suspicions were raised because they also produced Southend Council headed notepaper.

Belfairs ward councillor Stephen Aylen said he was contacted by one worried resident who contacted police.

He said: “They were described as having long overcoats on and they have got Southend Council headed notepaper.

“What they are saying is they are from the government and they have got to come in to look at the loft.

“Why would someone from the council or government need to come in and look at the loft?”

Mr Aylen said he was particularly concerned about elderly residents and urged them to contact police if they had allowed the men in.

He said: “Older people are trusting and vulnerable. These people turn up with brochures and offers and can be very convincing.

“Luckily this resident was careful because he is aware of the dangers.”

A spokesman for Southend Council said he was “not aware” of any need to inspect properties.

He said: “If anybody was working for us we would expect them to carry ID.”

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Police received a report just before 2pm today Tuesday, February 21, that two men claiming to be government inspectors had attempted to gain entry to a home in Bournemouth Park Road, Southend.

“They were refused entry to the property.

“They are both described as white, in their mid-20s and around 5ft 6ins tall.

“One of the men is believed to have been wearing a dark grey tweed overcoat and dark coloured trousers.”

Anyone with information should contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.