HomeBogus callers
Most people who call at your home are genuine.
Sometimes however, so-called ‘bogus callers’ can turn up unannounced with the intention of tricking their way into your home. Their aim is to distract you, often as a way of stealing money or valuables, and they are likely to strike when you are busy or may be caught off guard.
This is particularly common at certain times of the year, especially at Christmas when there is an increased risk of burglary.
These types of burglaries usually take place on weekdays between 8am and 6pm, the normal working hours of genuine callers.
Identifying a bogus caller
You should always be aware when someone you don’t know calls at your door.Bogus callers may be young or old, male or female and may claim to represent an organisation such as the council, Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) or the Water Service. Some may pretend to be looking for directions, selling items or cleaning windows.
They may also use ‘props’ such as a fake identity card or a company uniform and can be very persuasive and convincing.
Protecting yourself
There are several simple rules you can follow if you receive an unexpected visitor:- when someone knocks at your door, ask who it is before opening it.
- make sure your back door is locked before answering your front door. Thieves have been known to work in pairs, with one entering through the back while the other distracts the homeowner at the front door.
- keep a security bar or chain on your door while speaking to the caller.
- ask for identification before letting someone in - a proper ID should contain a photo of the person carrying it and, if in doubt, you should call the company in question and ask if the caller is legitimate.
- plan ahead - are you expecting anyone? Has someone made an appointment to see you?
Most large companies will notify you in advance if they plan to pay you a visit and they will be happy to wait while you check their identification.
- if you have any doubts about a caller, trust your instincts - a genuine official can always make an appointment to see you at a later date or when someone is with you.
- call the Quick Check project on 080 0013 2290. A trained operator can contact the organisation which the caller claims to be representing on your behalf to check if they are genuine. More information is available from the PSNI website
Home security
There are several measures you can take to keep your home safe from bogus callers. These include:- fitting a door bar or chain
- keeping your front and back door locked at all times
- not accepting goods or repairs from callers you don’t know
- not keeping large amounts of money in your home
- some large firms, such as NIE and Phoenix Gas, now use a password scheme for home visits – ask for details of these if you are expecting a visit from company officials
- looking out for elderly and vulnerable neighbours
- joining a Neighbourhood Watch scheme or residents’ group – details of these are available by emailing communitysafety@belfastcity.gov.uk
If you receive a visit from a bogus caller
Receiving a visit from a bogus caller can be upsetting. However, it is important that you report the incident to prevent it happening again.Call the police and tell them what has happened, making sure to describe the caller as best you can.
You should also make your neighbours, community groups and local Neighbourhood Watch scheme aware of your encounter, in case the caller decides to try other homes in your area.
You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you prefer to speak to someone anonymously.
If you let someone in
If a bogus caller gains access to your home, don’t intervene or try to stop them as they may become violent.If you let someone in and you become uncomfortable, make an excuse and leave. Go to a neighbour’s house or ask a friend to come back with you.
Community and personal alarms are also handy devices to keep in your house in case of an emergency.
