ACT Policing wants people to be vigilant after reports of suspicious behaviour involving a man offering to paint house numbers on driveways for money. The victims targeted are either elderly people or those in vulnerable situations.

The man has stolen money and bank cards from some residents, after asking for a drink or to use the bathroom. People have also provided the man with their bank card and PIN details for payment if they do not have cash.

People are urged to take some basic precautions to protect themselves, Sergeant Harry Hains said.

“If you do not know the person, do not let them into your home,” he said.

“If you have a security screen door, keep this locked and talk with the person through the screen or if you have a security chain, open the door with it still engaged. If you don’t want or need your number painted, politely decline, then close and lock your door.”

The man is described as a Caucasian, aged in his 40s, about 175 centimetres tall, with a slender build, balding dark wiry hair and clean shaven. He may wear a red hat and a shirt with a logo on the right side of his chest.

Sergeant Hains urged people to contact police if they believe they had been targeted by the man, and to provide as many details as possible.

Anyone who has seen suspicious activity in their neighbourhood should contact ACT Policing Operations on 131 444.