Incidents of distraction burglary or rogue trading crimes are rare, but when they happen it can be deeply shocking, especially when they occur on your doorstep.
Bogus callers are con men (or women) who tell a variety of stories to get into your home and steal from you. They may pretend to be from the council, gas, water or electricity companies or even from the police to make you believe they have a good reason to enter your home. This crime is called distraction burglary.
Rogue traders pretend to be tradesmen or salesmen offering goods at bargain prices. Their aim is to pressurise you into paying them for work that either doesn’t need doing at all or could be done for considerably less money by a reputable company. They sometimes work alone, sometimes in pairs and they can be men, women and sometimes even children.
Help reduce distraction burglary: Remember the following routine
STOP – Are you expecting anybody? Do they have an appointment?
CHAIN – Secure the door bar or chain before opening the door
CHECK – Ask for and double-check the caller’s ID
DO’s
¥ Do close and lock the BACK door and remove the key, before securing the door bar or chain to the front door.
¥ Do ask for proof of identity, take it and read it carefully. Genuine callers won’t mind you taking sensible precautions
¥ Do ask them to come back on another day if you are still unsure
¥ Do arrange appointments for people to call when you know you will have someone with you.
DON’Ts
¥ Don’t believe all callers are genuine
¥ Don’t let anyone in if you are at all unsure
¥ Don’t believe scare stories or be pressured into a cash or quick sale
¥ Don’t keep large amounts of cash in the house
For guidance and advice please contact your local Crime Prevention Officer on 01707 354000. If you are concerned about a doorstep caller pass the information on. Call Hertfordshire Trading Standards on the Doorstep Hotline 0845 60 444 66 .