Suspected credit card conmen target flats in Royston

Police on alert after two incidents

CREDIT card conmen could be targeting addresses in Royston.

Police are warning the public to keep an eye out for anyone acting suspiciously around blocks of flats, particularly those with communal letter boxes, after two incidents in the town in recent weeks.

It is thought that fraudsters are applying for credit cards relating to postal addresses they don’t live at – and then attempting to retrieve the cards when they are delivered to letter boxes.

A police spokesman said: “They are believed to be targeting communal letter boxes with external access and then tampering with the mail box or stuffing the relevant box with newspapers and other junk mail so the regular postal delivery won’t fit completely inside. The conmen then are able to access it.”

The first incident relates to a block of flats in Woodcock Road, Royston, and occurred between Wednesday June 30 - Tuesday July 6. One of the residents has received a credit card in his own name that he hasn’t applied for. He later received a PIN number for a completely different card that he never received.

The resident reported that he had noticed that his communal mailbox had been filled with a large quantity of junk mail. He believes this was done deliberately to give the conmen access to his mail.

Royston Neighbourhood Sergeant Jon Vine said: “We have had two allegations of this happening in Royston so far and we have received reports of two black males acting suspiciously around blocks of flats.

“We would ask everyone to be vigilant. If you have a communal letterbox with external access, please check it regularly to ensure it is clear for the postman to be able to get the post fully inside.”

“Report any suspicious activity to us by calling 0845 33 00 222 – or if it’s happening there and then, ring 999 immediately,” he said.