Bogus Callers
We must all be on our guard opening the door to strangers.
Most people who call at your home will be genuine, but sometimes people turn up unannounced with the intention of tricking their way into your home.
They are known as “Bogus Callers” or “distraction burglars” whose only aim is to get into homes, distract people and steal their money and valuables. Bogus callers will say or do anything to gain entry to your house.
Here are some simple steps we can all take:
Lock - Keep your front and back doors locked, even when at home. - Stop - before you answer think if you are expecting anyone to call?
- Make sure your back door is locked and take the key out.
- The caller may not be alone and could be distracting you to enable an accomplice to gain entry into your property.
- Look through the spy-hole or the window to see who the caller is.
- Chain – Put the chain on and keep it on while you find out who it is and what they want.
- Check - Ask for the caller’s identity card and check it very carefully.
- Call the Police immediately if you are not happy with their identification.
- Use password schemes for gas and electric companies.
- Never keep large sums of money in the house and keep purses out of sight, away from the door.
- You do not have to let anyone into your house.
- You must be satisfied of their identity.
- A genuine representative will understand your concerns and will give you time to check. Why not ask them to return when you have someone with you.
- If in doubt, keep them out!
Doorstep sellers:
- Be wary of salespeople who call unannounced and try to persuade you to spend your money.
- If the salesperson asks you to sign anything, always ask if you can have a copy to read first. If necessary, ask them to call back when you have read it. If they refuse to let you think it over, this should make you suspicious.
- If in doubt sign nothing.
- Don’t agree for anyone to carry out work in your home until you get a second opinion as to whether you actually need the work done.
- Even if you do sign a contract, you may have a 7-day right to cancel if you did not ask the trader to visit you.
Contact Consumer Direct for more details:
Tel 0845 4 94 95 06.
Insurance will take away the financial worry of replacing stolen goods and many companies offer reduced premiums for people with good home security. Ask your insurance company which security systems it recommends.
When you’re planning home security measures such as locks for doors and windows, make sure that you and your family could get out safely in the event of a fire. Get everyone in your household together to make a Fire Action Plan.
Your local crime prevention officer will be able to give you helpful advice – you can contact them at your local police station. The Bobby Scheme provides and fits security devices for elderly people who have been victims of crime, free of charge. For more information call Hampshire Constabulary. Tel 0845 045 45 45.
Be a good neighbour – if you see anyone acting suspiciously, call the Police.
Hampshire Trading Standards Provide:
- Bogus Caller Door Stickers & Information.
- Quick Response Team if a doorstep caller is causing you concern.
- Reporting of doorstep callers in your area.
Tel: 01962 869 765
Website: www.hants.gov.uk/regulatory/safe/index.html
