Who are Bogus Callers?
Bogus Callers, also known as distraction burglars, are criminals who adopt a number of guises: plumbers, high pressure sales people, builders, gardeners, people who offer to tarmac your drive.
What is a Bogus Caller incident?
Distraction burglary is a type of burglary where by the 'method of entry' is by trick rather than the typical forced or sneak entry. There is no legal definition of distraction burglary. A bogus caller incident is typically 'an incident where the caller gave false or misleading details to gain entry to premises or obtain work, and either by their manner, actions or persistence stole or otherwise deceived or confused the occupant into parting with cash or property'.
They are responsible for a distressing crime often aimed at the most vulnerable members of our community. The actions of these people can have serious consequences on the quality of life of many victims.
They will use every trick in the book to get inside your house and rummage through your possessions, taking anything of value they can find. You may think you have the best hiding place for your valuables, chances are they'll find them.
Bogus callers can appear to be very believable. They can take on many forms, dress as utility workers, tradespeople, or even police officers. They are particularly persuasive and articulate and can easily talk their way into people's homes. Once in they will steal money and valuables.
Our research shows that older people are their main targets
Beating the Bogus Caller
STOP! - Are you expecting anyone?
CHAIN! - Always use door chain
CHECK! - Double check caller identification
Always report bogus caller crime - Call Cleveland Police on 01642 326326
The type of things they will say to try and get into your home:
- I'm here to check the pipes
- I need to check the water/turn the water off (I'm laying pipes / water main has burst)
- The water is unfit for drinking
- I need to check for damp
- There has been a gas explosion up the road
- I've lost my football/kite/puppy/cat
- Can I use your toilet?
- Can I have a glass of water?
- Can I borrow a pen/a piece of paper to write a note?
- Can I see John/Jane? (or any other fictitious name)
- I'm interested in buying antiques or books
- You have won a prize in a raffle - can I measure up for the prizes/write down your details?
- I'm from Age Concern - can I take down the number of your pension book?
UK Water Industry 'Distraction Burglary' Initiative
Consumers are advised to use the following contact numbers to check the identity of a 'water company' doorstep caller:
Water Industry Contact Numbers
Energy Retail Association Code of Practice
The Energy Retail Association has reviewed and re-issued its Code of Practice for the face-to-face marketing of energy supply.
The new code ensures that where a member contracts with a third party for the provision of sales agents, the member must ensure that the third party complies with all components of the code in relation to sales activities.
Under the code, sales agents will not call on premises in recognised no cold calling zones where there is a message prominently displayed from the consumer in the form of a written note or sticker.
Members will recognise Local Authority no cold calling zones as lawful where they meet the requirements of proportionality as set out by the Office of Fair Trading in their letter to the Association and Local Authorities dated February 2008. This is Section 7.43 in the code.
Members have all signed up for their sales agents not to call at properties displaying no cold calling stickers irrespective of whether these properties are situated in no cold calling zones.
The new code is published by The Association of Energy Suppliers and can be viewed at:
http://www.energy-retail.org.uk/industrycodes/energysure-code/
Remember!
- Try not to keep lots of cash in the house and keep things like your pension book, savings book, cheque book and cards well hidden.
- Most utilities and service staff will make an appointment prior to coming to your house and should not turn up unannounced.
- If someone unexpected who you do not know comes to your house do not let them in until you are absolutely sure they are genuine.
- If you have any doubts - Keep them Out!
And finally...
Cleveland Police can provide you with 'How to beat the bogus caller' leaflets and door stickers free of charge. We can also obtain audio cassettes on the subject for the visually impaired.
Contact the Crime Reduction Officer.
