Not Sure?…Don’t Open The Door’ is the message at the heart of a national campaign to raise awareness about distraction burglars who trick their way into houses, or distract an occupant in order to gain entry to the premises before committing burglary.
Cheshire Police are participating in this campaign which is sponsored by the Energy Retail Association and aims to make people aware of the tactics used by distraction burglars and how they can prevent themselves from becoming potential victims.
Detective Inspector Nigel Groom, of the Eastern Area Burglary Team, said: "We treat distraction burglary as a very serious crime and the emotional impact on the victim can be considerable.
"Making arrests and seeing offenders convicted and sentenced, provides a great deal of job satisfaction, but there is still a victim. We know prevention is the best answer of all which is why we urge people to always question if the person at their door is who they say they are."
Crime prevention tips:
- If you’re not sure who is at your door, don’t open it. Check the identity of the caller by calling the company they are purporting to be from. Do not use any telephone numbers provided by the caller, as they may be bogus.
- Many utility service providers like gas, electricity and water, provide password schemes for customers, sign up to these. When unannounced callers claiming to be from these utility providers call at your door they should know the password if they are genuine.
- 'Water Boards' no longer exist, it is an obsolete phrase used only by bogus callers.
- Don’t keep large quantities of cash at home, put it in the bank where it is safe.
- Keep doors locked and windows secure at all times.
- Ensure that if you do let somebody in to your home, that you close the door behind them – distraction burglars often work in teams, where one will distract you whilst others sneak in through the insecure door.
- If somebody asks for your help (i.e. needs to make a telephone call, lost a ball in your garden, needs a drink or pen and paper) refer them to a younger neighbour, assist them through a closed door or call a friend or neighbour to come and help.
- If you suspect a bogus caller is at your door call the police immediately.
To find how to sign up to your energy supplier’s Priority Service Register and Password Scheme call the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99.
