BOGUS CALLERS (BURGLARY ARTIFICE)

People are being urgently reminded to confirm the identity of anyone calling at their home who asks to be let in. This is particularly important for elderly residents who are habitually targeted by bogus water board, electricity company, gas board and council officials.

Everyone working for the council or the public utilities carries identification and will be happy to prove their identity. Never let any person into your home unless you have contacted the company concerned and confirmed the person on your doorstep is a legitimate employee.

Do not feel embarrassed to ask them to pass their ID card through the letterbox so you can check it. Ensure you keep the council and the water board's telephone numbers near your phone as well as numbers for your gas and electricity suppliers. Do not ask the caller at the door for the phone number - if they are bogus they could give you a false one to call.

Never leave the front door open while you check the caller's identity - inform them you are contacting their company and ask them to wait outside whilst you check. Legitimate callers will expect you to undertake these checks and will not be offended.

If you are not satisfied with the authenticity of a caller DO NOT LET THEM IN!

Canvassers and census collators have been instructed not to request entry into a person's home - If one does, you should keep the door firmly closed and immediately contact the police.

Remember always keep your front door security chain on! Doorstep conmen and women are extremely plausible and will use any story to get past your front door - so be vigilant and be on your guard. Remember IF IN DOUBT, KEEP THEM OUT.