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Beating Bogus Callers
Beating Bogus Callers
You may have read last week of the theft of a large amount of jewellery and cash from an elderly Somerset woman. There were around 13,000 of these ‘distraction burglaries’ recorded last year across England & Wales.
The elderly in particular are targetted by these bogus callers who often pretend to be on official business from a Utility Company or the Council. They may also claim to be tradesmen or workmen needing to carry out urgent repairs or even someone in distress. Don’t open the door to an unexpected caller before you have followed these simple steps:
• Use your chain or spy hole or look out of the window to see if you recognise them and ask for proof of identity. Genuine trade callers should carry an identification card containing their photograph. Check this carefully. If you have any doubts telephone the company the caller represents to verify their identity.
• Lock your back door before opening the front.
• Don’t worry about making them wait outside. Genuine callers will understand your caution. If they complain don’t let them in.
• Beware of callers who say they have seen something untoward outside and don’t leave your house to look - they may have an accomplice awaiting this distraction.
• If you are unconvinced of their identity or story then don't let them in. Ask them to come back later and arrange for a friend, relative or neighbour to be present.
Bogus callers succeed because they sound believable. Treat every stranger and story with caution, and don’t let anyone in without satisfying yourself that they are genuine.
This information is brought to you by Carewatch for the benefit of all members of our community. Carewatch can be contacted on 01823 325554.
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