Dear Resident

Protect yourself from doorstep crime and always be aware of people who turn up unannounced as most genuine callers will have a pre-arranged appointment. Doorstep crime can include rogue traders offering home improvement or gardening services, or bogus callers who claim to be the council, police, health carers or energy companies. 
 

Rogue traders: Use tactics such as saying that they have spotted a problem with your home or garden; claim to have materials left over from another job ; try to pressurise you to buy goods or sign up for services on the spot; offer to drive you to a bank so you can withdraw money to pay them; provide false names, addresses or telephone numbers.

Pedlars: Are individuals who call at your door to sell items that they have on offer which can often include cleaning or household goods. By law, they are required to carry a pedlar’s certificate, which is issued by the police force in the area where they live.
 

Bogus Callers: Claim to be working for the council, water, gas or electric companies OR could say that they are a nurse, doctor or from the police. These individuals will say that they need to come into your home or will try to get you to go outside in order to distract you so that they can steal your money. 

Tips to keep you safe
• If you are not sure who is at the door, don’t open it.
• Check the identity of any caller by confirming who they are by calling the company they work
• Ask a neighbour to come around to check them before you open the door
• Tell them to come back at a time when someone else will be home
• Keep doors and windows locked and use the door chain every time you answer the door