Police are advising residents to follow the Police Doorstep Code and not allow any strangers into their homes.  

Distraction burglars use a variety of tactics to deceive the victim to get into their home to steal valuables. They often claim to be from the water board, electricity company, local council or other organisations and they will try to pressurise or confuse the person who answers the door.  

When a stranger calls at your door, follow the Police Doorstep Code:  

·  When someone unexpectedly calls at your door, take a look out of the window. If you do not recognise them, don’t open your door to them.  

·  Make sure both your front and back doors are locked with the keys taken out, even when at home.  

·  Attract the caller to a secure and locked window and ask to see formal identification.  

·   If in doubt direct the caller to a nominated neighbour but do not open your door, you can download a poster on the link at the bottom of this page

·  Put the door chain or door bar on first before opening the door, and keep it on whilst talking to the caller. (normally when your door is shut and locked your chain can be left off to get out in an emergency)  

·  Pass words can be set up in advance with your gas, water and electricity suppliers.  

·  Look up the phone number of who the caller represents in the phone directory, ring to verify the caller’s identity and do not use a phone number on the identity card, as this may be fake.     

·  If the person refuses to go away, ring South Wales Police immediately on 101 and report it to them. Try to provide a description of the person, vehicle or anything else suspicious.  

·  Talk to your family and friends about this caller and consider talking to your neighbours about any suspicious activity just in case the same scam is tried on them.

“We would encourage residents, especially the elderly, to be suspicious of callers to and to be aware of doorstep crime.  

“I would also appeal to members of the community to look out for the more vulnerable members of society to ensure they are safe in their homes.”

www.doorstepcallers.co.uk/about/distraction-burglars.html