ACTION AGAINST BURGLARY IF IN DOUBT, KEEP THEM OUT! HOW TO BEAT THE 'BOGUS CALLER' Burglary against older, vulnerable people is particularly callous – but older people are generally at a lower risk of burglary, compared to younger people. Older people are, however, often the target for distraction burglary. This is also relatively rare but, when it happens, is extremely distressing for the victim – as distraction burglars prey on the trust and vulnerability of older people. Most people who call at your home will have genuine reason to but, sometimes, someone may turn up unannounced, with the intention of tricking their way into your home. These people are 'distraction burglars' – also known as 'bogus callers' – and their aim is to distract you so that they, or their accomplices, can steal your money and/or valuables – or even just documents of identity, such as bank statements. What to look out for: • 'Bogus callers' may be smartly dressed and claim to be from the council, the police, a water company, an energy company or health organisation. • They may just ask for a drink of water, to wash their hands or use your telephone in an emergency. Never believe a hard luck story from a stranger at your door!  • They may claim to have lost a pet, or a child's kite or ball in your back garden. • They may be men, women or even children – but all have one thing in common. They can be very convincing, persuasive and plausible. Sometimes they work in pairs or teams.  Whilst you are talking to one  at the front door, an accomplice may be trying to enter through the back door, or an open window. • 'Bogus callers' may turn up as builders or gardeners and try to trick you into paying for unnecessary work.  You should never agree to have work done by someone who is just passing by. The work will  probably not need to be done at all! Simple measures you can adopt There are some simple crime prevention measures that can reduce the risk of distraction burglary. These tips will apply if you are living independently, or caring for older people living independently.   1. Lock, stop, chain, check Lock – Keep your front and back doors locked, even when you are at home. Stop – Before you answer, stop and think if you are expecting anyone. Check that you have locked the back door and taken the key out. Look through a spy hole or window, to see who it is. Chain – If you decide to open the door, put the chain or door bar on first (if you have one). Keep the bar or chain on while you are talking to the person on the doorstep. (Normally when the door is shut and locked, you can leave the bar or chain off in case you need  to get out in an emergency). You may be able to get free fitments of spy holes and door chains through your local Age Concern and Help The Aged Handyperson scheme, or call 0845 0261055 for details. Check - Even if the caller has a pre-arranged appointment, check their identity card carefully. Close the door while you do this. If you are still unsure, look up a phone number in the phone book and ring to verify the caller's identity. Do not use a phone number on the identity card, as this may be fake. Water companies tackling bogus caller crime The UK's water companies take a very responsible and co-ordinated attitude to the issue of bogus callers – as, more than 50% of bogus callers pretend to be from a water company. You can check the identity of anyone claiming to represent a water company by telephoning your local water company for verification of the caller's identity. You can also register a visitor's password with water companies, for extra peace of mind. Password Schemes Water companies, energy companies and Digital UK now operate password schemes. Customers give the company a word which is confidential to them and the company. When the company's representative calls, they will be  expected to tell the customer the password - to prove they are genuine.   2. Always get quotes for repairs Never be pressured into paying someone before work has been carried  out – and never accept any offers to drive you to the bank to withdraw payment money. If you think work needs to be done, obtain and compare specifications and prices from two/three companies.  Ask a friend or relative, or your local council office for the names of reputable tradespeople or companies. Many people will, however, agree to work being carried out and then find themselves unhappy about the quality and standards of workers and workmanship.  What should they do? They can contact their local  Trading Standards Office (telephone number in local directory) – who can often send out a representative to cases where the trader is still onsite, or will be returning to site. Trading Standards will then be able to pass on warning of these traders to other local bodies, such as Neighbourhood Watch.   3. Keep cash out of sight Always try to pay by bank or building society cheque.  Try to avoid keeping large sums of cash at home – and always keep valuables and cash out of sight from prying eyes.   4. If they're genuine they will wait Only let the person in if you are absolutely sure they are genuinely who they say they are and who they represent. Genuine callers will always be happy to make an appointment to call and they won't mind  waiting while you check their identity. They will also be happy to call back later when a friend or relative can be with you.   5. Your vigilance can help others If you think a bogus caller or rogue trader has called on you, report it to the police immediately. Try to give the police a good  description of the person or persons. Tell a neighbour, warden or Neighbourhood Watch representative – just in case they try at other homes in the area. The earlier the police know that bogus callers are working in an area, the quicker they can investigate and prevent others becoming victims. Being a 'nosy neighbour' is something to be commended, not frowned upon! Please don't be too concerned Most callers to your home will be genuine. Be assured that crime against older people is rare, but if you use the above guidance it can help protect you and your family – and enable you to live safely and securely in your home. There will be many partnerships working in your area to help reduce crime. These may include local councils, the police, utility companies, voluntary agencies such as Age Concern and Help the Aged and your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme. These partnerships are brought together under the umbrella of your local Community Safety Partnership. Details of this should be available from your local council. Other useful websites: Neighbourhood Watch Home Office, Bogus Callers Home Office, Victims' Rights Age Concern and Help The Aged 'Action Against Burlgary'