Doorstep Callers
Due to recent problems with Bogus Callers should a person or persons call without an appointment to offer any services such as, painting, plumbing, gardening, inspection of your property, water pipes gas or electricity even window cleaning services.

Always ask for identification or a trading license, refuse entry and call the police immediately with details, if possible of the type of vehicle and descriptions of those involved.

The following advice is provided by the Home Office 

How to beat the bogus caller

Most people who call at your home will be genuine.

But sometimes, people turn up unannounced, with the intention of tricking their way into people’s homes. They are known as ‘distraction burglars’ or ‘bogus callers’, whose only aim is to get into homes to distract people and steal their money or valuables.

You should always be aware when someone you don’t know calls at your door.

By using the advice in this leaflet, you can protect yourself and vulnerable members of your family.

Bogus callers may be smartly dressed and claim to be from the council, the police, health organisations or gas, water or electricity companies.

They can be convincing and persuasive.

They use ‘props’ like an identity card or wear overalls with a company logo.

If you are expecting the caller, remember to check their identification very carefully against the letter you have been sent or the password you have agreed before you let them in.

These official visitors should always arrange an appointment with you beforehand.

If you are not expecting them and are alone, ask them to call back when you have someone with you.

STOP, CHAIN and CHECK when someone calls to offer work.

If someone calls at your door and offers to do repairs to your home or asks to come in so they can show you the products they are selling, you should do the following.

Check your back door (if you have one), lock it and take the key with you. Put your door bar or chain on the front door – it’s a useful barrier because they may try and pressure you. Check their details before you let them into your house. Do not agree to any work being done or sign a contract until after you have talked to someone else. Bogus callers can also turn up as builders or gardeners and try to trick you into paying for
unnecessary work.You should never agree to having work done by someone who is just passing, or take their word that work needs to be done at all. Do not be pressured into paying them before they do any work. Do not accept any offer from them to drive you to the bank to withdraw the money. If you think work needs to be done, get quotes from other companies (two or three should be enough) and also ask a friend or relative for a recommendation.You can check whether the company is not reputable by contacting your local council’s trading standards office.

Some bogus callers call on older and vulnerable people saying they need help urgently.They may ask you to help them outside the house or ask to come in to make a phone call or have a glass of water. Check your back door (if you have one), lock it and take the key with you. Put your door bar or chain on the front door.
Only go to help them if you have someone else with you. Don’t worry if you choose not to help - it is not
rude or unfriendly.If someone who looks official calls at your door, always do the following.

Before you answer, stop and think if you are expecting anyone. Check that your back door is closed and
locked and take the key out. Put the door bar or chain on. Look through the spyhole (if your door has one) or the window to see who it is. Always keep the bar or chain on while you are talking to the person on your doorstep.

Ask for and carefully check their identity card, even if they have a prearranged appointment (all genuine callers will carry one). Do they look like the person on the card? Is the name the same one as that on your letter? Close the door while you do this. If you are not expecting them and they have not shown you an identity card, do not let them in until you have checked and double-checked that the caller is genuine.

You can do this in three ways.
Look up the phone number in the phone book and check it against the card the caller has given you. Do not be tempted to just ring the number on the card as it may be a fake.

STOP, CHAIN and CHECK
when someone official calls at your door.

Phone directory enquiries. It will help to check whether the company is genuine. Look at a recent bill to check the phone number.You should also think about keeping a list of useful phone numbers, like gas, electricity and water services, in a handy place. Many now have free phone numbers to help you check the identity of their workers. If, after these checks, you have any doubts about the caller, especially if they came unannounced,
tell them to call back later when someone can be with you.You can also tell them to contact you by
letter to arrange a more convenient time.

Genuine callers will always be happy to make an appointment to call and will carry an identity card with a photograph.They won’t mind waiting if you want to phone and confirm their identity or want to rearrange the appointment

Bogus callers sometimes work in pairs or even teams. They are often well organised. One will distract the
person while the other searches the house for money or other valuables.They can be men, women or
children (or often a combination).Watch out for anyone who says they are in a hurry. Don’t let them
pressure or confuse you.

If you think a bogus caller has called at your door, report it to the police immediately – dial 999 and tell
them what has happened. Try to give the police a description of the person.While they are on their way, tell a neighbour, caretaker or Neighbourhood Watch representative just in case they try at other homes in the area.The earlier the police know that bogus callers are working in the area, the quicker they can
investigate.Local councils, health workers, the police, and gas, water and electricity companies, with groups such as Age Concern and National Neighbourhood Watch, are all working together to reduce this crime even more.

Crime against older people is rare.The advice in this leaflet will help to protect you, your family and friends
and stop this crime so you can live safely and securely in your home.

REPORT BOGUS CALLERS WORKING TOGETHER TO HELP YOU

BOGUS CALLERS
Remember though, most callers to your home will be genuine.If you haven’t already got a door bar fitted, you should think about getting one. It only costs a few pounds and is easier to use than a chain.

If you have a PVC door, bars can sometimes be difficult to fit. Check with the manufacturer before you buy a PVC door, and always ask for a bar to be fitted. A door bar or chain acts as a useful barrier when talking to unexpected callers. It is a worthwhile investment. Only put your door bar or chain on when you answer
the door. Don’t keep it on all the time in case you need to get out in an emergency.

Neighbourhood Watch
Try to join (or set up) a NeighbourhoodWatch, Home Watch scheme or Residents’ Group. It’s a
good way of working together to make your community safer.