NOT SURE? DON’T OPEN THE DOOR
FOLLOWING ON FROM A SUSPICIOUS CALLER WHO VISITED ONE OF OUR NEIGHBOURS THIS MORNING WE THOUGHT IT WOULD BE USEFUL TO SHARE ADVICE REGARDING DEALING WITH UNEXPECTED CALLERS AT YOUR DOOR.
REMEMBER – NO ID , NO ENTRY !!
Dealing with unexpected callers at your door
A distraction burglary is where a criminal calls at your home posing as an official or asks for your help with something.
They can make up a story to get into your home.
Burglars need not go to the trouble of breaking in if they can just knock on your door and be invited in.
Always be on your guard when anyone you’re not expecting – a man, woman or even a child – turns up at your door.
Follow the advice on this page to help prevent you becoming a victim of distraction burglary.
LOCK – Keep your front and back doors locked even when you are at home.
STOP – Before you answer, stop and think whether you are expecting anyone.
Check you have locked the back door and taken the key out.
Look through a spy hole or window to see who the caller is.
CHAIN – If you decide to open the door, put the chain or door bar on first, if you have one.
Keep the chain or bar on while you are talking to the caller.
With PVC doors, it can be difficult and costly to fit a door chain.
Check with the manufacturer before you buy a PVC door, that a chain can be fitted.
FIRE SAFETY – Only put on your door chain as you answer the door, don’t keep it on all the time as this could delay your exit in case of fire.
CHECK – Look at their clothing.
Some official callers will have a uniform bearing their organisation name or logo.
Even if the caller has a pre-arranged appointment with you check their identification card carefully.
Close the door while you do this.
If you are still unsure, call the company concerned to verify their representative’s identity.
If you’re still not sure ask the caller to come back later when someone is with you.
