Inverness police warn about bogus doorstep callers

INVERNESS police are warning householders to bear in mind the message: "If in doubt - Keep them out" in a bid to guard against bogus callers.

Police say the summer months have historically seen an increase in reports of bogus callers in the area, so they are offering early advice to prevent people becoming victims this year.

Constable Gary Dick, Community Safety Officer for Inverness, said: "Most people who knock on your door will be genuine callers. However, you can not always be sure, so it is important to take some precautions before opening the door.

"Not all thieves break into homes - some will try to trick or con their way in. They are known as bogus callers and will pretend to be on official business from respectable concerns such as the utility companies (gas, electricity and water or local council).

"They may claim to be tradesmen or workmen calling to carry out urgent repairs. Bogus callers succeed because they sound believable, so don’t be fooled."

Police are advising people to be sure the person at their door are who they claim to be by following these simple steps:

• Lock: Keep your front and back doors locked, even when at home.

• Stop: Think if you are expecting anyone. Check that the back door is locked and take the key out. Look through the spy-hole or the window to see who it is.

• Chain: If you decide to open the door, put the door chain or bar on first. Keep the bar or chain on while you are talking to the person on the doorstep. (Normally, when the door is shut and locked, leave the bar or chain off in case you need to get out in an emergency.)

• Check: Ask for and take the time to check their identity card. Call the company they say they are from using the phone directory. Don’t call the number on the ID card as it may be fake.

Utilities companies now offer a password identification system. Any caller from one of these companies should be able to give a pre-arranged password as additional proof of identity.

Police also waern to beware of callers who attempt to distract you by claiming that they have seen something untoward in your rear garden or somewhere which may encourage you to leave your house - they may have an accomplice awaiting this distraction.

If you are not convinced of the identity of the caller, don’t let them in, is the advice. Ask the caller to come back later and arrange for a friend, relative or neighbour to be present on their return or ask the caller to contact this person.

Note down the registration number of any vehicle which the caller used.

Police also urge that householders generally do not enter into any verbal agreement to get work done, get a written agreement with a set price. If asked for extra monies do not pay without getting further advice.