Residents in the Romford area are being urged to check the identification of doorstep callers before allowing anyone into their homes after PPE (personal protective equipment) was stolen from Essex gas distributor Cadent.

PPE, including fluorescent jackets, was stolen after vans being used by Cadent in Havering-atte-Bower were broken into. Engineers have been in the area replacing ageing gas mains.

The incident has been reported to the police but Cadent is urging local people to be on the look-out for bogus callers.

Network Supervisor Paul Randall said: “Please always ask for identification before letting anyone into your home. Genuine Cadent staff always carry identification and will be happy to show it.

“If someone claims to be from Cadent or the gas board and you have any doubts about their identity, please call us on 0800 389 8000 so we can check that they are who they say they are.”