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   Crime Reduction - Home Security: Doorstep Crooks
Some criminals won’t go to the trouble of breaking into your home if they can just knock and be invited in. They either distract the resident whilst they steal items or trick the person into paying too much for a simple job. Academic research informs us that a victim of this sort of crime is most frequently:doorstep crooks * An elderly person * Female * Living alone * Targeted after bereavement Remember: that it is not unusual for younger people to also be victims of crime. Studies inform us that only 1 in 10 crimes are reported. Reasons for under-reporting include embarrassment, fear and the possibility of losing one’s independence. A study into the impact of doorstep crime on older victims has shown that their health declines faster than non-victims of a similar age. The study also found that victims of doorstep crime are 2.4 times more likely to be in residential care two years after the burglary than their non-burgled neighbours. What should a potential victim do? You’ve probably had many genuine callers at your front door and not one of them was a ‘con artist’ so it’s not worth losing sleep over something that may never happen. However, it is worth getting into the habit of taking a few extra seconds to check every caller at the door properly. Always look to see who is at the door before you open it. Door viewer If you do not have glass in your front door, fitting a spy-hole door viewer will help. Alternatively, get into the habit of always looking through a window near the door to see who is calling. TOP SAFETY TIP - OUTSIDE LIGHT An outside light over your door will help you to see a caller clearly if it is dark. Position the light so that it would light up the caller’s face rather than make a silhouette. Door chain If you need to open the door to make further checks use a door chain or similar device. Only put on the door chain as you answer the door. Don’t keep it on all the time as this could delay your exit in the event of a fire. It could also delay a neighbour or relation with a key getting to you if you were ill or in need of help. Doorstep crime trends Bogus callers come in many shapes and sizes. They could be children, women, and men in all types of clothing (from overalls to suits). Here are just a few of the trends to be aware of: Bogus officials This is perhaps the most common category, but also the easiest to prevent. Remember that officials from water companies never need to come into your home to test water pressure or repair a leak, even in an emergency. If for some reason they do need access, they will always send you a letter to make an appointment. bogus officials The genuine meter readers from the Gas and Electricity Board want you to check their identity before letting them in. Check their identity card. If in doubt ring up and confirm that the caller is genuine. Keep the telephone numbers of utility suppliers handy. Don’t keep the caller waiting by an open door. If you have difficulty reading identity cards, ring the number given on your bill and ask to join the password scheme. Every time a meter reader calls they have to give the password you have arranged. The scheme is free and could stop a thief from tricking their way into your home. The ‘Water Board’ is the most commonly used method of entry; United Utilities have published the following statement: “Sometimes organisations do need to access your home. For instance, in order to comply with the regulations, your water company needs to take random water quality samples from customers’ taps. Also, if you have a water meter inside your home they will need to enter your home in order to read your meter. There is no need to worry about this; you can easily set up a password by contacting United Utilities on 0845 746 1100. Ask to be registered on their ExtraCare scheme, specifically for the password option. You will then be able to agree a password that will only be known by you and United Utilities.” Bogus workers Bogus repairers can and do use a very good and insistent sales patter to get you to use them straight away. If you haven’t had your drains cleaned or your roof fixed for many years then another day or two whilst you get another estimate won’t make any difference. If you need to get the building work done it makes sense to get several written quotes from trustworthy or recommended firms and then decide who is right for you. Bogus dealers This sort of fraudster will try and buy a piece of furniture you thought was worth nothing for far less than its true value. The solution is easy. If you decide to sell something, you will almost certainly get more money for it by first speaking to other dealers and comparing quotes. What can friends, neighbours or relatives do to help? All of us can help to prevent bogus callers. If you know, or are responsible for, a person vulnerable to this type of crime, there is a lot you can do to prevent it. This could include arranging for adequate security and/or implementing the utility companies’ password scheme. It could also include taking measures to prevent an offender from identifying a home as belonging to an older person, e.g. maintaining the exterior of the house. Talk! Frequently talking about crime prevention messages to older people will leave a more effective and long lasting impression on them. Passwords and phone numbers Make it easier for them to check caller ID by setting up the password scheme with all their utility companies. Leave lists of telephone numbers of these organisations near the door, including police numbers. Arrange for security There are many local charities and organisations that will fit door and window locks, door chains, spy-holes, etc. In many areas this service is free, or at a very discounted rate. See what’s available in your area. Memo minder Experience shows that older people often forget to use door chains and spy-holes even when they are fitted. Each local police station has available, at a reduced cost, an electronic device to remind anyone answering the door. The ‘Memo Minder’ unit is a simple to use, simple to install reminder. Fitted internally, the unit contains a pre-recorded message of choice which is activated by a PIR sensor when approached by the occupier. Messages may be up to 20 seconds long. Message prompts could be “remember to put the chain on before you open the door”, for instance. The recorded voice may be a family member, neighbour or friend the older person relies upon for advice, and trusts, it’s a good idea to ask them to record the message. Good neighbour scheme The key element of the scheme is a card which can be held up by the occupant at the window when someone calls unexpectedly. It has a short explanation of the scheme and gives the contact address or telephone number for a nominated neighbour who has agreed to deal with all visitors. The idea is that the older resident gets used to the concept of not answering the door to strangers without a trusted neighbour being present. No cold calling zones This is a designated zone where people cannot cold call (call without an appointment) for any reason. Utility companies will be advised and hopefully unprofessional workmen will be deterred from the area. It sends out a clear message to criminals that their actions will not be tolerated and their every move is being monitored and recorded. This scheme has enabled the police and local authority to work with the residents and educate them about the need to ask for identification – only letting people into their property if they have checked the caller’s credentials. If you want to start a No Cold Calling Zone in your area, contact your local police station or Trading Standards in your Local Authority area. Your safe and secure checklist Doorstep crime is preventable The most frequent victim is a female, elderly person, or person living alone Victims should install and use a: * Door viewer * Outside light * Door chain Trends are bogus officials, bogus workmen and bogus dealers friends, neighbours and relatives all have a role to play Friends, neighbours and relatives can: * Talk to the potential victims * Set up password schemes * Leave phone numbers by the door * Arrange for security devices to be fitted: Door viewer Outside light Door chain Memo Minder * Arrange a ‘Nominated Neighbour’ * Start a ‘No Cold Calling Zone’ Due to problems with spam only SalfordOnline members can now leave comments. 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