A conman has been targeting vulnerable Merton residents under the guise of a Meals on Wheels delivery man in a bid to snatch personal belongings.
Merton Council has issued a warning to those who receive the meals after three incidents in the past two weeks in Colliers Wood and Mitcham where a man has accessed the homes of vulnerable adults.
None of the attempted thefts were successful – in one instance the meal recipient let the man in but he fled after being challenged by a carer.
The man has shown no ID, worn a uniform or travelled in a branded vehicle. The council have alerted the police and service contractor Sodexo.
Due to the vulnerable nature of many of the Meals on Wheels recipients, the man was able to gain entry with minimal difficulty having no ID, vehicle or uniform
The council is now urging Meals on Wheels recipients and their carers to be more cautious and to be sure of whom they are letting into their homes by checking their ID beforehand.
Cabinet member for adult and social care Councillor Caroline Cooper-Marbiah said: The council takes the wellbeing and safety of its residents seriously.
“I advise adults using the meals on wheel service to ask anyone visiting their home for identification.
“We will also be advising our carers to be extra vigilant and raise any suspicious behaviour with the police.”
Picture courtesy of Bob Jagendorf, with thanks
