⚠️ Would you know what to do if an unexpected caller made a convincing claim at your door?
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⚠️ Would you know what to do if an unexpected caller made a convincing claim at your door? |
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We want to make our residents aware of a tactic in which someone may attend a property claiming they have tracked a lost or stolen item to the address. If someone makes this claim, do not let them into your home. A genuine victim of theft should report the matter to the police rather than attempt to enter or search another person’s property. Distraction burglars often create convincing stories or pretend to represent a trusted organisation to gain access to a home. They may claim to be from a care agency, the council or a utility company investigating a gas or water leak. Others may say they are dealing with an emergency or ask for a drink of water. They may also work in pairs, with one person keeping you distracted at the door while another attempts to enter the property.
Please take a moment to check who is calling: Use a video doorbell, intercom or window to see who is there before opening the door. If you open the door, put the chain on first. Ask to see identification and verify it directly with the organisation before allowing anyone inside. Find the organisation’s official telephone number yourself rather than using a number provided by the caller or shown on their identification. Keep the door closed and locked while you make the call. If you are unsure, ask the caller to return when a trusted friend, relative or neighbour can be with you. For planned utility visits, ask whether the company offers a password scheme. Genuine callers will understand if you want to check their identity. If something does not feel right, trust your instincts, close the door and do not let them in.
Please share this advice with relatives, friends and neighbours, particularly anyone who may be more vulnerable to this type of approach.
☎️ If you feel threatened or believe a crime is taking place, call 999. For non-emergency reports, use our online reporting service or call 101.
More advice about distraction burglary can be found on our webpage here: https://www.surrey.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/protect-home-crime/keep-burglars-out-property/
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