Residents urged to beware of bogus callers!
Older residents across Warwickshire are being urged to be extra vigilant on the build up to Christmas for bogus callers looking to gain access to their homes.
As Christmas draws closer many people have extra cash for gifts in their purse or around the home. In 2004/05, there were 12,961 reported incidents of distraction burglary across England and Wales although estimates suggest that the real figure could be much higher, as many victims felt too embarrassed to admit that they were tricked in their own home.
In 2003 /04 there were 151 reported distraction burglaries in Warwickshire. To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of this crime, always carry out three simple steps before letting anyone into your home - Stop, Chain and Check the identification of the caller!
Corporate Community Safety Manager, Julie Sullivan said:
“Typically, bogus callers con people out of cash and valuables. While the loss of these items can be distressing the greater impact is generally the stress that such an attack causes. We would advise all residents to follow three simple rules when answering the door – Stop before they answer the door, put the Chain on and Check the identification of the caller.
Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Richard Hobbs said:
“Bogus callers can be any age, male or female and of any appearance. They may pose as water, electricity or gas board workers so that they can steal your money. Even when you are expecting traders to come round to the house, make sure you have the chain on, ask for proof of identity. If in doubt, do not let them in!”
For general advice on crime prevention, log onto http://www.crimereduction.gov.uk
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For further information please contact Julie Sullivan on 01926 746804 or Lisa Mowe, Communications Officer, Warwickshire County Council on 01926 412513.