Not sure ? Don't open the door !

Not sure ? Don't open the door !

Protect yourself from doorstep crime.  

Follow our advice to reduce the risk of being scammed.

Always be aware of people who turn up unannounced.  Most genuine callers will have a pre-arranged appointment.

Doorstep crime can include rogue traders offering home improvements or gardening services, or bogus callers who claim to be the council, police, health carers or energy companies.

They may say they are in the area and have spotted a problem with your home or garden; claim to have materials left over from another job, like paving or tarmac; 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.

A pedlar is someone who calls at your door to sell items that they have on offer.  This 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 may: claim to be working for the council, water, gas or electric company (they could also say they are a nurse, doctor or from the police); say they need to come into your home, or try to get you to go outside; try to distract you so they can steal your money; be male, female, or even children.

Tips to keep safe

If you have information about a crime or anyone you suspect may be involved in criminality, then please let us know using the online ‘Tell Us About’ form on our website www.westmercia.police.uk.

If you aren’t comfortable contacting us directly, you can pass on information anonymously to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Thank you for your help. It is only by the police and the public working together that we can prevent and detect crime.