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Doorstep crime

A major campaign to crackdown on doorstep crime has won the backing of community safety experts.

Hambleton officers are working alongside:-
trading standards officers, the police, neighbourhood watch co-ordinators, the WRVS and Victim Support.
And with the onset of winter officers want to be sure everyone is alerted to the growing problem.
Most people who call at our homes are genuine. But sometimes callers turn up with the intention
of tricking us - persuading us to part with money for unnecessary jobs or posing as officials to gain
access to our property with the intention of stealing from us. They may distract us at the front door
while their accomplice enters our homes from the back to steal possessions and money.
Bogus callers often work in teams and are usually in a hurry.

This is doorstep crime - and can be committed by people of all ages, even children.
But there are steps you can take to help -.when anyone calls think STOP, CHAIN, CHECK.

STOP: are you expecting anyone? Before answering the front door check that the
back door is locked and remove the key.

CHAIN: Put the door bar or chain on. Look through the spyhole (if your door has one) or the window
to see who it is. Always keep the bar or chain on while you are talking to the person on your doorstep.

CHECK: Ask for and carefully check their identity card - even if they have a prearranged appointment
(all genuine callers will carry one). Do they look like the person on the card? Is the name the same
one as that on your letter? Close the door while you do this. If you are not expecting them and they have
not shown you an identity card, do not let them in until you have checked and double-checked that the
caller is genuine. Call the company concerned if you are not sure - if they are a genuine caller they won't
mind waiting.

Only let them in when you are absolutely sure that they are genuine -
if you have any doubts keep them out.

If you think a bogus caller has called at your door report it to the police immediately
- the earlier they know the sooner they can act.
And let neighbours and Neighbourhood Watch representatives know too in case the
callers try at other homes in the area.

Anyone worried they have been a victim of doorstep crime should call North Yorkshire Police on 0845 60 60 24 7.