Residents in a Powys town have reported of scammers trying to break into homes under the guise of being from energy companies to the police.

Dyfed Powys Police have confirmed that on Monday, February 19, they received multiple reports of a man “acting suspiciously” in Llanfair Caereinon, knocking on people’s doors and attempting to gain access to their houses while falsely claiming to be dispatched from an energy company to perform meter readings.

Residents reported run-ins with the individual, who they said claimed to have been sent by an energy company despite not wearing any branded company uniform or showing any identification.

One concerned resident described the person who came to their door as an “aggressive” individual who tried to “force the door open” when he was not immediately let in.

Some residents reportedly contacted their energy suppliers to check if anyone had been dispatched to carry out meter readings, but were informed that there was no record of an employee being sent to their address, informing the police of the incident soon after.

A spokesperson from Dyfed Powys Police said: “Police have received two reports of a man acting suspiciously in the Llanfair Caereinion area on Monday evening, February 19.

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“The man knocked on doors and said he was from an energy company and wanted to read the meter but left when asked for identity.

“Officers attended, gave security advice and patrols were carried out in the area to ensure residents’ safety.

“We’re reminding residents to be alert when they answer the door to unexpected callers, to always ask for identification and look up the organisation to check the person’s identity.

“Anyone with concerns about suspicious behaviour is asked to report it to Dyfed-Powys Police, either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.

“Always call 999 in an emergency.”

The incident follows reports of a series of door-to-door scammers in other towns throughout Mid-wales, such as reports in Llanfyllin in January that an individual who entered local shops claiming to sell a number of household items and reportedly became “quite intimidating” when asked to leave.