Police issue warning over door-to-door cleaners

Christchurch police are warning people to be cautious about employing door-to-door window cleaners, after recent approaches to householders in the New Brighton area.

Police were concerned the "cleaners" may be attempting to identify empty or vulnerable homes as burglary targets, said northern Christchurch area commander, Inspector Dave Lawry.

A group of two or three men had approached householders in New Brighton and had been seen observing other properties, he said.

The men did not appear to be linked to any recognised cleaning company and seemed to be approaching local properties at random.

"We urge householders to be cautious. There's a strong possibility that these window cleaners are using the business as a ruse to approach houses and establish if they are unoccupied.

"Where they do undertake cleaning, they may be using the opportunity to identify items of interest inside or around the property for future burglaries."

People should be cautious about who they let onto their properties, ask any door-to-door window cleaners for identification, and report any suspicious approaches to police.

- NZPA