People living in the Caernarfon area are being reminded of the ‘If in doubt, keep them out’ rule following bogus caller incidents in the area.
Over the last few days police have received reports of bogus callers in the Cadnant ward area, whereby a man has called at an address claiming to be a care worker. Another incident involved a man claiming he had come to fix a leak inside a conservatory.
“We would just like to remind people to remain vigilant,” said PCSO Annette Jones, from the local Neighbourhood Policing Team.
“If somebody calls at the door check to see who it is by looking through the front door or use a door viewer. Only open the door when the chain has been put on and always check for identification. Genuine callers will always be happy to make an appointment and they won’t mind waiting if you would like to phone and confirm their identity or want to rearrange the appointment.
She added: “With Christmas just around the corner, we are also urging people to think of their home security and ensure all windows and doors are locked. Although it’s the season of goodwill, never allow strangers into your home and use a door chain before opening your door. And remember, if in doubt, keep them out.”
Earlier this year the All-Wales Doorstep Crime Group – a partnership which comprises of the Police Service, Local Authorities, Trading Standards and support groups such as Age Cymru, launched their ‘Cold Callers’ campaign. The Welsh Assembly Government funded initiative raises awareness of the dangers of doorstep fraudsters, and offers clear advice on how to react if a doorstep caller knocks at the front door.
The campaign offers advice in the form of three clear steps which have been developed to help decrease the number of rogue trader and distraction burglary victims across Wales, and to increase the reporting of suspicious doorstep incidents.
The three step message to the public is:
- If in doubt, keep them out!
- Be prepared, be in control
- Call a neighbour or the police
The campaign is the All-Wales Doorstep Crime Group’s response to an agreed call for action, following concerns that many – if not most doorstep type crimes – are going completely unreported.
Follow these simple steps to avoid becoming a victim:
- If in doubt, keep them out. It sounds simple, but if you don’t let someone in – they will go away. Don’t let them pressure you into opening the door.
- Be prepared. Be in control. Think about what to say to doorstep cold callers in advance. And keep a list of key contact numbers near your phone so you can check out legitimate callers. Ask all other unwanted callers to go away.
- Call a neighbour or the police. Contact a local relative or nominated neighbour who can help verify a cold caller. If you think someone is a rogue trader call us on 101. To report a distraction burglar or rogue trader who has taken your money and is still in the area – call 999.
If you witness suspicious behaviour in your area, or if you would like to speak to a member of your local Neighbourhood Policing Team about crime prevention advice, please contact North Wales Police on 101.
Details regarding the All-Wales campaign are also available via the www.doorstepcallers.co.uk website
