News

We're warning our customers to be extra vigilant after receiving reports from Gloucestershire that callers from ‘The Water Board’ have gained entry to people’s homes.

There have been reports of a distraction burglary in the Forest of Dean, where individuals entered a customer’s home after saying they were from the water company and there to check the water supply.

Louise Moir, customer care manager, said: “We can’t stress how important it is for customers to check the identity of the person knocking on the door. It doesn’t matter how convincing they look, if they work for us they’ll be carrying an identity card and you can check that they’re legitimate by ringing 0345 604 1655.

“We’d also never try to get access to a customer’s house to fix pipes or to fit meters without making an appointment first and, even then, if anyone has any doubts, they should call us to double check.

“Our phone lines are manned 24-hours a day, seven days a week, and our employees fully expect customers to check their identity, either with a card or a call.  They’ll be happy to wait while you carry out the necessary checks.

“We also offer a doorstep password scheme where you can apply for a password in advance that any legitimate visitors from Severn Trent will have when they come to your home.   You can sign up here or call us on 08457 500 500.”

In addition, Severn Trent would never ask customers to pay for a service on the doorstep or ask for bank details over the telephone.