A WARNING has been issued to residents living in Coventry after bogus callers knocked on doors, claiming to be from BT and asking about Internet access.
Verification checks following the incidents in Radford found they were not BT staff.
Police say burglars will not go to the trouble of breaking into your home if they think they can just knock and be invited in.
So they warned people to be always on theirr guard when anyone they were not expecting called, whether it was a man, a woman or even a child turning up at their door.
Bogus ‘officials’ may be smartly dressed and claim to be from the council, gas board, health authority or other organisation.
Bogus ‘workmen’ may say that they need to come in to check something or make urgent repairs. They may even claim to be police officers.
Genuine callers will normally make an appointment first and will carry identification with their photograph on.
Anyone who receives a caller they are not expecting should check through a spy hole or window to see who it is.
Residents should use a door chain if they have one and get one if they do not already.
Uniforms with logos on can be checked against the people and who they say they are.
Residents should ask to see callers’ identity cards and check it carefully whilst keeping the chain on.
Some public utility services (eg water, electricity, gas) operate a password system. People can contact your local branch to find out more.
If residents are still unsure they should ask the caller to come back later and phone the organisation or company they claim to represent to check if they are genuine.
Numbers should be looked up in phone directories or on official websites, rather than a card the caller may have given.
Bogus callers sometimes work in pairs. People should be aware of one distracting them while the other steals property. The best practice is not to let them in
Residents should ensure their doors are locked if they are answering the door to someone you don’t know.
People should make sure they are not pressured and call a neighbour or friend if they feel intimidated.
If residents are still unsure they should phone the police on 999.
