Nottinghamshire residents warned about bogus callers

Not sure? Don’t open the door is the message the Force is spreading among Nottinghamshire residents.

In a leaflet, to be circulated via local authorities and housing associations residents are being offered the following advice:

Do not let strangers into your home without checking their identity, be pressured into purchasing items at the door or employ a tradesperson without ensuring they are reputable.

Get quotes from more than one tradesperson and Look out for Buy With Confidence and Trusted Traders logos and ask local authorities or Age UK for reputable traders.

Keep your front and back doors locked even when you are at home and, if you have one, always put the door chain on or use your spy hole when someone calls, even if you are expecting visitors.

If you are 60-plus, sign up for the password scheme run by utility companies. It is proof of identity if the caller knows your designated password.

Det Insp Kev Broadhead said: “We are not just directing these messages to those who may be vulnerable to exploitation by unscrupulous people.

“We are also appealing to people to look out for their relatives, friends and neighbours.

“Old habits are hard to break but do not let your loved one learn the hard way.

“Do not just keep walking into your relatives’ homes without considering how easy it might be for a criminal to do the same. Lock up and if you are not sure, do not open the door.”

If you think you have been targeted by distraction burglars or bogus callers, or would like home security advice from your local beat team, contact police or call Crimestoppers anonymously.