Appeal for information as officers investigate report of fraud in Gateshead
Officers are appealing for information as they investigate a report of fraud in Gateshead.
Police received a report that a man claiming to be from a window cleaning company had visited several addresses in the Whickham and Sunniside areas yesterday (Saturday) and today (Sunday).
The man is then reported to have accepted payment for windows being cleaned from a number of residents.
It has later become apparent that the man was not an employee of the company he claimed to be collecting on behalf of.
Officers have launched an investigation into the report and a man – aged 37 – has been arrested on suspicion of fraud.
He is currently in police custody.
Police are reminding residents to be vigilant and advising them not to hand over money to anyone who they do not recognise.
Should members of the public be suspicious of callers, don’t be afraid to ask for identification.
Officers are also appealing for any witnesses to get in touch.
They are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have CCTV or Ring doorbell footage which could assist the investigation.
Anyone with information regarding the report should use the ‘Report’ page of the Northumbria Police website or call 101, quoting log number NP-20240317-0385.