Bogus callers (sometimes called distraction burglars) are people who call at your door to trick their way into your home and steal your belongings. They sometimes work in pairs, so one person may keep you talking at the front door while another tries to get in the back door. (So make sure your back door is always locked.) Bogus callers aren’t always male, so don’t be fooled by a smartly dressed woman.
To ensure YOU don’t become a victim of bogus callers, follow these 5 steps:
- Get a sturdy door chain and a door viewer (spy hole) fitted on your front door. These are provided and fitted free by Epping Forest District Council and Help the Aged - phone 01992 564 272 (find out more on our Home Safety Scheme page).
- BEFORE you open the door, look through the window or door viewer to check who it is. If you are at all worried by who you see, don’t answer the door.
If you decide to open the door, PUT THE CHAIN ON FIRST!
This is very important because it stops the caller from walking into your home, and also makes it easier for you to close the door again (it’s not a good idea to leave the chain on all the time though, as this will stop someone with a key, such as a member of your family, from getting in. It could also stop you getting out in an emergency).
- With the chain on, open the door and ask the caller for identification, then say firmly
“I AM GOING TO CLOSE THE DOOR NOW WHILE I CHECK WHO YOU ARE” and shut the door. Do not be persuaded or pressured that it is an emergency - any genuine caller will be happy to wait while you take the time to check their identification.
You now have time to check the identity of the caller. At this stage, a bogus caller will probably leave anyway.
Do not rely on an identity card, as these can easily be forged and may give false phone numbers.
If the caller claims to work for the Council, Water, Electricity, or Gas Company, then look up the number in the phone book or on an old bill and check that he is genuine.
- If you have any doubts, with the door chain on, ask the caller to return another time when a relative or neighbour can be with you.
Remember – if in doubt, keep them out!
- It is sometimes difficult to know exactly what to say to an unexpected caller, but you will find saying the right words easier if you have thought about them before. So rehearse in your mind, or even practise saying aloud, a phrase such as:
“I AM GOING TO CLOSE THE DOOR NOW WHILE I CHECK WHO YOU ARE”
This will enable you to speak with greater confidence on the doorstep.
Don’t forget!
If you are linked to Epping Forest Careline and are worried by a stranger at your door, just pull a cord or press your pendant and ask for help.
If you would like to know more about the Epping Forest Careline Service, please telephone 020 8532 1065.
Further information
For crime reduction advice or to report anything suspicious, phone Essex Police 01279 641212 and ask for your local Community Police Team.
IN AN EMERGENCY PHONE 999
Our free ‘Keeping Safe’ information pack contains much more advice on dealing with bogus callers and doorstep tradesmen, as well as how to keep your home secure. The pack also includes our innovative ‘Door Wobbler’. (Insert photo)
‘Keeping Safe’ packs are available from Epping Forest District Council Information Centres at Loughton, Waltham Abbey and Ongar, and at the Civic Offices, High Street, Epping. (The packs can also be obtained from the Parish Council Information Centre in Buckhurst Hill.)
If you would like a ‘Keeping Safe’ information pack posted to you, or if I can be of any other help, please contact me:
- Caroline Wiggins
Safer Communities Manager
Epping Forest District Council
Civic Offices
High Street
Epping
CM16 4BZ
- Phone - 01992 564122
- E-mail - Cwiggins@eppingforestdc.gov.uk