A MAN who impersonated a police officer in an attempt to burgle an Old Trafford house has been charged.


Police received a report of a man claiming to be a police officer knocking on the door of a house on Ruskin Road, at 12.25pm on April 22.


John Hearne, 21, of Alltami Road, Buckley, Clwyd, was charged with attempted burglary and impersonating a police officer and is due before Trafford Magistrates today, April 24.


Police have now issued guidelines to help residents’ to stay safe in their own homes.


- Keep all external doors locked at all times, whether you are at home or not.


- Stop and think before you open the door. If possible, look out of the window or use a door viewer (spy-hole) to check whether you know the caller.


- If you have a door bar or chain, put it on before opening the door and don't open the door completely until you are happy with the caller's identity.


- Always ask for the caller to show identification. A genuine caller will be happy for you to check this with their employer.


- If you have not got a door bar or chain, ask the caller to push their identity card through the letterbox.


- If you still have any doubts, ask them to call back when a family member, friend or neighbour can be present. Genuine callers would never wish to cause distress, and would be happy to call again.


- An outside light over your door will help you to see a caller clearly if it is dark.


- Remember that friends, neighbours and relatives can help by setting up password schemes or acting as a nominated neighbour.