Published: Wednesday 20th January 2016 | 1.25pm
Cannock Chase Council is supporting Staffordshire Police’s, ‘Not sure? Don’t open the door’ campaign’, giving residents advice on how to deal with doorstop callers.
The Cannock Chase District is a very safe place to live and statistics show that residents do feel safe in their local area and the majority of residents do not experience any kind of crime.
However, some people are targeted at home by rogue traders and thieves. These people often target vulnerable people, such as the elderly. So we are asking residents to follow these simple rules:
Never let anyone you don’t know into your home until you’ve checked their credentials first, even if they claim they are from the police, the council, the water or electric company, the tax office or any other organisation. Keep your front and back doors locked while you contact the company concerned by phone using a number you know is legitimate. If they are genuine they won’t mind waiting or coming back later. Official organisations will usually make an appointment in advance. It’s a good idea to set up security passwords with your suppliers and to always keep all your doors and windows locked even when you are at home.
Never give cash, cards or bank/building society account details, including your pin, to anyone who comes to your home no matter which organisation they claim they are working for including the police, tax office, council, water or electric company. Official organisations would never ask for such details or ask you to hand over money on the doorstep. The same rules apply to anyone who contacts you by phone as well.
Never agree to pay for on the spot work, even if the person claims to be from an official organisation and says it is for emergency work connected to drains, burst pipes, trees, pests, your roof or chimney or anything else. Official organisations would never ask you to pay for work on the spot. If work really does need doing on your home always get three quotes from firms that you know or have been recommended to you by someone that you trust.
Councillor Carl Bennett Portfolio Leader for Crime and Partnerships said “Although these crimes are very rare it is important that residents are aware of how to deal with doorstop callers and keep themselves and their families safe. The Staffordshire Police’s initiative is a good reminder with some excellent tips on how to deal with people that come to your door.”
Inspector Simon Brownsword, Cannock Police said “Staffordshire Police is working together with Cannock Chase District Council to prevent these crimes and ensure that residents are safe in their homes. These offences do not occur frequently but residents should be aware of the methods used by such criminals and follow the crime prevention advice. I encourage residents and neighbours to report such suspicious activity to Staffordshire Police.”
If you have been targeted by a rogue trader, it is important to report it to the police by calling 101, reporting it could prevent it from happening to someone else.
A leaflet with tips on how to deal with doorstop callers is available to download via our website at: https://www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/sites/default/files/be_aware_of_whos_at_your_door.pdf