POLICE in Newton Abbot are urging residents to be wary of telephone scams after reports of a bogus police call.

A resident in Bradley Barton has reported receiving a call claiming to be from Devon and Cornwall police warning about a spate of burglaries in the area.

Later the same day, a second call was received, claiming to be from a computer repair sales firm, asking questions about living arrangements.

A police spokesman said: ‘We would like to remind everyone that we do not canvas call the public to warn of burglaries nor has there been a recent spate in Bradley Barton.

‘Our preferred means of circulating information is through our community messaging service and on social media.

‘Log numbers or references can be used over the phone to confirm our identity.

‘If in doubt, please take the officer’s shoulder number and dial 101 to be reconnected in confidence.’

The spokesman also reminded residents never to give out personal details or bank details to unknown people over the phone or at the door.

Anyone who may have received similar phone calls or who believes they have been a victim of fraud is asked to contact police on 101 or email [email protected] or call Action Fraud on 03000 123 2040.

To sign up to the police community messaging service go to www.alerts.dc.police.uk.