Securing your home & garden
General and easy security precautions
Marking your property | Bogus Callers
Bogus callers
- Remember that all genuine officials will carry identification so always ask to see it even if you are expecting them.
- If you have received any notification in the form of a letter that they will be arriving ask them to quote the password listed if there is one or else make sure that the ID works as a perfect match.
- If you have any doubt at all concerning how genuine they may be do not let them into your home. Simply ask them to return at a later date when there is someone else in the house or to arrange a written appointment.
- Bogus callers can take the guise of builders, gardeners or any variety of tradesmen and may even try to persuade you to have unnecessary work done to your home.
- Even if you agree that work needs to be done, ask them to come back when you are not alone and get quotes from other companies in the meantime.
- Some bogus callers appear to need urgent help and may ask to come in and make a telephone call, or they could simply request a glass of water. In these kinds of situations it is advisable to try and help them without opening the door.
- Even before you answer the door, you should check through your door viewer or a window to see who is calling.
- Before you open the door ensure you have the door chain or bar in place.
- Check the caller's details and identity thoroughly, even if they have made an appointment.
- Check any telephone number against the phone book entry; then ring it for confirmation.
- Do not agree to any work being undertaken, or sign any contracts, until you have got a second opinion from someone you trust.
- Do not give in to any pressure; genuine callers will always wait patiently while you confirm their identity. Alternatively, tell them to write to make an appointment.
If you think that a bogus caller has called, jot down their description, report it to the police immediately and inform your neighbours.
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Securing your home & garden
- Introduction
- Secure your doors and windows
- Insert security devices
- Security for flat owners
- Outdoor security
- Leaving your home unoccupied
- Moving house
- Christmas preparations
- Wedding preparations
- General security precautions
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