UK CRIME PREVENTION

Fit A Door Chain

Spotting a bogus caller might not be as easy as some would think. They don't necessarily look or act 'dodgy', they may be any age and appearance; extremely smart, very scruffy, in work wear or indeed uniform. They are male or female and on their own or with partners. Their aim is to make you feel confident that they are who they say. So if you feel satisfied that the person at your door is legitimate - stop!

Before we proceed, most people that come to your door are likely to be decent honest people and probably known to you. Official people want to prove who they are and take no offense at being challenged. So feel free to challenge them.

If you haven't got a door chain, get one. Another useful thing is a postcard size mirror to place on the wall (use sticky pads) and place it at eye level where you can see the caller's face when the chain is on. It is simple, cheap and very effective. This way you do not need to be face-to-face with a caller as you can use a mirror. You do not need to keep the door chain on all the time as it may impair key holders from getting in, but DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR UNTIL THE CHAIN IS ON. Take your time, they'll wait. Make sure your back door is closed and locked before answering your front door.

Ask the caller for I.D. If you need glasses in order to read the card, close and lock the door before going to get them. Never leave the door open and unattended.

How can we tell if the identification is genuine? - We can't, but we can pick up the local phone book, look up the number in the book and ring it. Don't ring the number the caller gives you, no matter how professional the literature is; rely on your own directory.

Tell the receptionist that you have a person at the door claiming to be from their company, tell them his name and ask if he is an employee and ask why he is calling on you. If the answer is negative call the police immediately. It is not likely that your bogus caller will hang around.

Representatives of the water, gas and electric companies rarely make house calls without appointments. Did you receive a letter recently?

If there is a real gas or water emergency, police and firefighters are likely to be present. Look out of your window for activity.

To learn more, contact your local police crime prevention officer, local council, social services office or Age Concern centre. They can advise you on installing door viewers, chains and personal alarms, all of which can make you safer when a stranger calls.