With reports of people going door to door in the Wrexham area impersonating utility workers, gas emergency and pipeline service Wales & West Utilities are reminding local people that their team will always carry identification.
Phil Collins, Wales & West Utilities Customer Service Manager said:
“Whether they’re responding to gas emergencies, connecting homes to the gas network or working on our gas pipe upgrade programme, all members of our team including contractors will be carrying an identification card and will be happy to show it if you ask. If you want to confirm one of our colleague’s identity call us on 0800 316 0478 and if you’re in any doubt if a caller is genuine, do not let them in.
“Bogus callers usually target the more vulnerable in our communities, so we’d really appreciate if people could share this information with family and neighbours.”
If you answer your door to anyone calling from Wales & West Utilities, you should follow three steps:
- Ask to see their ID card: All members of our team including contractors will be carrying an identification card and will be happy to show it if you ask.
- Check their ID card: It should have their name and photo on it – and the photo on the card should be the same as the person standing at your door.
- Contact us if you are in any doubt: Confirm one of our colleagues identity by calling 0800 316 0478 and we’ll be able to tell you if the caller is genuine.If the person becomes pushy, or aggressive, call the Police immediately on 999, and if you’re in any doubt if a caller is genuine, do not let them in.
Bogus callers usually contact the elderly and the more vulnerable in our communities. Those most in need can sign up for the Priority Service Register which means they can choose a password so they know gas and electricity engineers are genuine. To do this contact us on 0800 912 2999 or go online wwutilities.co.uk/priority.
Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service that serves Wales and the south west of England, puts customers at the heart of the business and is rated the top utility company in the UK for customer service. If anyone smells gas, thinks they have a gas leak, or suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, they should call us on 0800 111 999 and our engineers will be there to help, day or night.
The company also has a multi-million pound, 30-year gas pipe investment programme which began in 2002. Old metal pipes within 30 metres of buildings are being upgraded to new long-lasting plastic pipes with a lifespan of more than 80 years, to make sure homes and businesses continue to receive a safe and reliable gas supply now and in the future.