Alert about Cold Callers across Cambridgeshire

Residents are being urged to be vigilant after several incidents across the County including Peterborough and rural villages of people being targeted by cold callers.  Individuals claiming to be from telecommunication and internet companies have been knocking on people’s homes asking to check their phone lines.

I would urge people to always ask for identification from doorstep callers and to never let people into their homes if they have any concerns about them.  It is also important that people remain vigilant to activity in their neighbourhood, particularly in areas with vulnerable or elderly residents.

To reduce the risk of becoming the victim of a distraction burglar, always remember:

LOCK - Is your back door locked? If not, lock it before you answer the front door as distraction burglars often work in pairs - one distracts, while the other steals

STOP - Are you expecting anybody?

CHAIN - Put this on before you open the door. If you have not got one, it is a worthwhile investment. It will give you that extra 'safe space' and barrier between you and the caller and then,

CHECK - Ask for their identification card, take it and look at it carefully. Close the door and check the number in the phone book - not the number on the card. If they are genuine they will not mind waiting or coming back another day.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or on Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Source:

Carol Aston
Crime Reduction and Anti Social Behaviour Officer
Community Intervention Team (Crime Reduction and ASB)
Peterborough District