MINCHINHAMPTON residents have been warned about a spate of bogus phone calls from a fake ‘Village Agent’.

A number of home owners have received calls from someone pretending to be the town’s village agent and informing that they are carrying out follow up calls.

The male caller is said to be pushy and belligerent and appears to be targeting the elderly and most vulnerable.

Chris Trevett, Neighbourhood Warden at Stroud District Council, said the latest victim was lucky enough to have carers and operated a key safe system.

But he cautioned vigilance for other residents in the town and asked anyone who receives a call to report it to the police immediately.

“All wardens and the PCSO covering the Minchinhampton area have been made aware,” he said.

“We also continue to work closely with the Village Agents regarding this situation.

“A number of residents in Minchinhampton have also received phones calls from people claiming to be from the Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

“The caller then asks if they can attend the address to carry out a home security survey.

“Many of these calls have been to residents who are not in a Neighbourhood Watch area.”

The PCSO covering Minchinhampton has confirmed that this is not a service they ask their Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators to carry out.

Any phone calls from someone claiming to be a representative of Neighbourhood Watch and asking to attend an address should be treated with caution and reported to the police immediately by calling 101.