Welcome to June’s edition of Safe and Sound. This month I would like to draw your attention to doorstep crime.

Doorstep traders can be genuine, but sometimes rogue traders turn up on your doorstep claiming they are on official business from the council, are there to read your gas or electricity meter or sometimes even from the water board, which doesn’t exist!

Once you’ve let them into your home, they distract your attention and steal money or goods, often by having a second person working with them.

Research shows that fewer crimes are committed in areas where there is a supportive community.

You can help to support the elderly or vulnerable people around you, who may be potential targets for rogue doorstep traders, by being aware of the tactics they use and how to handle them. For example, you can call 101 to let the police know about suspicious people, activity or vehicles in your neighbourhood, however insignificant it may seem.

Encourage vulnerable people not to open the door if someone they are not expecting or they do not recognise is at the door.

Remind them to always secure the door bar or chain (if they have one) before opening the door and check the caller’s identity carefully – if in doubt, keep them out!

Tell them that it’s OK to say ‘no’! It’s their doorstep and their decision; encourage them to have the confidence to say to the caller:

  • I don’t buy goods or services at the door.
  • I’d like more time to think about it.
  • I want to shop around and get other quotes, or
  • I have to discuss it with someone else.

If a distraction burglary has taken place, report it straight away to Regulatory Services via Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 and contact West Mercia Police on 101.

If it is happening now, dial 999. A ‘No Cold Callers’ card to display in your door or window is available from Worcestershire Regulatory Services.

If maintenance work needs to be undertaken, always get more than one quote and use the Worcestershire Regulatory Services Trader Register, a register of local tradesmen.

Trader Register: 01905 765394 or worcester shire.gov.uk/ traderregister For more information about doorstep crime, visit the website worcsregservices. gov.uk where you can also download a ‘No Cold Callers Card’.

For further information about North Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership, visit wcsp.org

SUE HANLEY Chairman North Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership