Severn Trent is reminding customers of safeguards available to help householders protect themselves against bogus callers.

Such callers often claim to be from a utility company to gain access to a home and steal from it.

The criminals are cunning and often intimidating and deliberately target the elderly or vulnerable.

Severn Trent customers who might be concerned about the possibility of bogus callers are being encouraged to contact the company to set up a password, so they can feel safer in the knowledge that if a genuine Severn Trent employee needs to visit their home, either for a fixed appointment or unannounced, he or she will know the chosen word.

Martin Kane, director of customer relations at Severn Trent, said: “Even if you haven’t signed up for a password, there are ways you can protect yourself against these criminals.

“If someone knocks on your door claiming to be from Severn Trent, ‘the water company’ or ‘the water board’ ask him or her to wait outside and ring 0845 604 1655 to check their identity. The phone number is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“Our employees fully expect to be asked to show you an identity card and wait outside while you carry out the necessary checks. Severn Trent employees will never pressure you to open the door.

“Remember, ID cards can be faked, so it’s best to check the caller’s identity by ringing a number you’ve found from another source - don’t automatically assume the phone number on the card is valid.

“To stay one step ahead, it’s best to keep our number to hand should someone show up at your door unexpectedly. Hopefully, you’ll never need it but it’s always better to be prepared.

“We’re also encouraging friends, family members and neighbours of those who may be a target for these crimes to talk to loved ones about how they can protect themselves. To ensure the message gets across, we need to work together.”

The Consumer Council for Water has set up a printable form which lists contact numbers for water as well as energy companies. Anyone who knows someone who might feel safer by having those numbers to hand can visit ccwater.org.uk to print one out for him or her.

Severn Trent customers can register for a password by calling 08457 500 500, emailing customer.relations@severntrent.co.uk or by visiting stwater.co.uk/access