Don't hand over your cookers and heaters

Gas bosses are not collecting the emergency cookers and heaters handed out to residents in Crook recently.

The move follows reports that bogus callers, claiming to be from Northern Gas Networks, have been operating in the area.

More than 7,000 fan heaters, hot plates and microwaves were handed out to needy residents during the recent gas supply emergency which affected thousands of homes and businesses.

Northern Gas Networks had always said it would let residents keep them – in a bid to stop people falling prey to conmen.

“Our message to anyone who was given a heater or cooker during the recent gas emergency is to keep them. We will not be collecting them back,” said Northern Gas Networks’ communications director John O’Grady.

“If anyone at all calls at your home asking for you to return your appliance, turn them away immediately and call the police straight away. These people are bogus and do not work for us or any of our contractors.”

Mr O’Grady said everyone involved in the incident was appalled that conmen were attempting to make a profit out of other people’s misfortune.
“These items of equipment were distributed to people who were in dire need. Many of them were vulnerable, old or infirm or maybe had small children. It’s dreadful to think these people are now being targeted by bogus callers.”

Never let anyone into your home who cannot show a valid ID card. A responsible company can always make arrangements to send someone back.