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 only prey on the elderly residents, but anybody may be a victim. All of us can help to prevent the crime.
You’ve probably had many genuine callers at your front door and not one trickster, so it’s not worth losing sleep over something that may never happen. It is worth getting into the habit of taking a few extra seconds to check every caller at the door properly.
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). These are just a few of the trends.
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 leave 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.
Door Viewer
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.
Outside Light
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 or relation who has a key, getting to you if you were ill or needed help.
In Summary
- Don’t let people in until you are satisfied you know who they are and what they want. Check their story.
- Keep the door locked while you use the phone or verify their story, or ask them to come back later.
- If you let someone in – stay with them at all times.
- Never part with money, documents or other things whatever they say.
- If you are suspicious – ring the Police
- Get more than one estimate for work.
- Official organisations usually write first. Have you had a letter?
- Check identity cards thoroughly.
- Don’t let callers put pressure on you to let them in.
- If in doubt, keep them out.
