Wales & West Utilities is warning people across Cornwall to be aware of bogus callers after receiving reports of suspicious activity.

The company, which runs the gas emergency service in Wales and the south west of England has been made aware of incidents over the past few days where people have called at properties claiming to work for "the gas board" and asking to be let in to turn off the gas supply.

Wales & West Utilities Director of Operations, Andrew Hopkins, wants to remind people to be vigilant against bogus callers and said:

“We want to remind people that our colleagues, and those of our contractors, wear identification badges with pictures and people should ask to see these before letting people into their homes.

“All staff, whether they are working on an emergency to investigate a gas leak or on our extensive gas pipe replacement programme will always carry identification badges. They will be expected to show these when asked and will be happy to do so. Householders can ring us on 0800 316 0478 any time of day or night to confirm a caller’s identity and genuine employees will not mind waiting while these checks are carried out.”

The company has issued advice to help keep people safe:

• Ask for identification and carefully check it, even if the person at the door has a pre-arranged appointment. Genuine callers will carry ID from the organisation they represent.

• Do not let an unexpected caller into your house.

• Do not just ring the number on a card that has been given to you - it may be fake. Look the number up first.

Wales & West Utilities provides the gas emergency service across Wales and the south west of England. 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.