The police want to remind residents they are under no obligation to answer the door to anyone they don’t know or aren’t expecting.

If you do talk to them, they are supposed to be able to provide a valid Pedlar’s Certificate and should leave your property when asked.

Police always recommend using a door chain and asking to see the identification of unexpected callers.

If you are suspicious of a caller ring 101 straight away or 999 in an emergency

• keep your cash in the bank, not at home

• keep windows and doors secured if you’re not in the room

Remember, genuine callers:

Expect you to check their identification before opening the door

• would never try to rush you by claiming there’s an emergency

• will happily make an appointment to come back when you can have a relative or friend with you.

Take time to consider your options and research costs from other providers, if in doubt contact your local trading standards.

There are many types of doorstep crime, including:

• Bogus callers exploit vulnerable people within their own homes to steal cash/valuables or carry out fraudulent schemes.

• Rogue traders cold call at homes and overcharge for unnecessary work, damage property deliberately and use intimidating behaviour to extort money.

• Distraction burglary is when a person tries to gain access to your home by trying to trick you into believing they need help or are officials in the area. Very often they will operate in pairs, so one attempts the distraction whilst the other one takes the opportunity to steal things in your home.

If you feel pressured by any cold caller, have the confidence to be firm and say no.

If you know someone who may have been a victim of doorstep crime and you don’t want to talk to the police, contact Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or the below link:

Giving information anonymously | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org)

Attachments:

• doorstep-crime.pdf