Some criminals won't go to the trouble of breaking into your
home if they can just knock and be invited in. People assume that these
doorstep crooks prey only on elderly residents, but anybody may become a
victim. Bogus callers come in many shapes and sizes. They could be
children, pregnant women and men in all types of clothing (from overalls
to suits).
Bogus Workmen
The bogus repair man may use a very good and insistent sales patter
to get you to employ him straight away. If you haven't had your drains
cleaned or your roof fixed for many years, then another day or two
whilst you get another estimate won't make any difference.
If you need to get the building work done it makes sense to get
several written quotes from trustworthy firms and then decide who is
best.
Bogus Dealers
This sort of fraudster will try and buy that piece of furniture you
thought was worth nothing for far less than its true value. The
solution is easy. If you decide to sell something, you will almost
certainly get more money for it by first speaking to other dealers.
Bogus Officials
This is perhaps the most common category but also the easiest to
prevent.
Officials from the Water Board never need to come into your home to
test water pressure or repair a leak, even in an emergency. If for a
remote reason they do need access they will always send you a letter
to make an appointment.
The genuine meter readers from the Gas and Electricity Board want
you to check their identity before letting them in.
Check their identity card, but if in doubt ring up and confirm that
the caller is genuine.
Keep the telephone numbers handy, and don't keep the caller waiting
by an open door.
If you have difficulty reading identity cards, ring the number
given on your bill and ask to join the password scheme. Every
time a meter reader calls they will then always give the password you
have arranged. The scheme is free and could stop a thief from tricking
their way into your home.
Look Before You Open
Always look to see who is at the door before you open it. If you do
not have glass in your front door, fitting a spy hole door viewer will
help. Alternatively, get into the habit of always looking through a
window near the door to see who is calling. An outside light over your
door will enable you to see a caller if it is dark. Position the light
so that it would light up the caller's face, rather than make a
silhouette.
Door Chain
If you need to open the door to make further checks, use a door
chain or similar device. Only put on the door chain as you answer the
door. Don't keep it on all the time as this could delay your exit in a
fire. It could also delay a neighbour who has a key, getting to you if
you were ill or needed help. |
