|
Neighbourhood Watch
One of the ways to make your community safer is to join a Neighbourhood Watch scheme. Neighbourhood Watch is the largest voluntary organisation within the UK, with an estimated 10 million people involved.
Neighbourhood Watch is about people working together to make their communities safer and more pleasant places to live and work. The aim of Neighbourhood Watch is to help people protect themselves and their properties, reduce fear of crime and improve their local environment.
Bogus Callers
What is a bogus caller?
Many burglars will not go to the trouble of breaking in if they do not have to.
Bogus callers at your door will pretend to be any one of a number of authentic callers. They may claim to be officials from the council, service companies, health authority or other originations. They may pretend to be genuine dealers or salesman. They may impersonate workman and say that they need to come in to check something or make urgent repairs and grossly overcharge you for the completed work. Even young children may be used to gain your trust.
These types of bogus caller all want to steal from you . Trick you or overcharge you for work that they do. Most callers at your door are genuine, but some are not. Therefore it is very important to remember some helpful hints to follow in your home before opening the door to any caller on your doorstep.
How to check that callers are genuine
Think before you open your door. Are you expecting anyone?
Use a door viewer and put the chain on before opening the door. If you don't have a chain or viewer have them fitted if possible.
Ask the caller for proof of identity. Most callers will have an identity card. Check it carefully, but keep the chain on.
If the caller doesn't have an appointment, tell them to wait outside while you ring their office to confirm their identity.
Some service companies operate a password system to verify the callers status. Contact your local Water, Gas, Electricity company to find out more.
Look at the callers clothing. Some official callers will have a uniform bearing their organisation's name or logo. Their vehicle may also have their organisation's name or logo on it.
If you have any suspicions at all - do not let the caller into your home.
Call the Police - Dail 999
|
|
