Crime Prevention Advice

Cold Callers & Rogue Traders – Stay Safe at Your Door

Unwanted doorstep callers may try to distract or deceive you to gain access to your home and steal valuables. They often pose as:

• Bogus officials (e.g. council, police, utility companies)
• Rogue traders offering home improvement services
• Charity collectors or people asking to use your phone or water

What You Should Know

• They can be any age or gender, and may appear smartly dressed with fake uniforms or ID.
• They often work in teams and may share your details with others.
• Rogue traders often target older or vulnerable people, using intimidation or pressure tactics.

Don’t Be Pressured

• If a caller seems suspicious, report it to the police immediately (dial 999 or use the non-emergency number).
• Don’t be swayed by claims that neighbours have agreed to work or purchases.
• Be cautious of “limited time offers” or special rates.
• Never trust someone who says there’s something wrong with your home that they can fix.
• Ask for written information and take time to consider it—don’t feel pressured.

Follow the Doorstep Code

STOP – Before answering the door:

• Are your doors locked?
• Are you expecting anyone?
• Can you check through a window or spy hole?
• Do you recognise the person or their vehicle?

THINK – If the answer is “no” to any of these, consider if it’s a bogus caller.

CHECK – Look again through a spy hole or window before opening the door.

Check Identity Cards Carefully

• Take the ID inside and close the door while you verify it.
• Call the company using a trusted number (from a bill or official directory).
• Never use a number provided by the caller.
• Avoid trusting mobile numbers—use landlines you’ve found yourself. 
• Consider setting up passwords with your utility providers.

Home Security

Home security is the best way to reduce your chances of being burgled. A lot of burglaries are spur of the moment, as a burglar may see an open window or other easy point of entry and take their chance.

Basic tips

1. When you go out, always lock the door and close the windows – even if you are just going out for a short time.

2. Window locks, especially on older windows, will help stop people getting in (and remember, a burglar is less likely to break in if they have to smash a window).

3. If you have deadlocks, use them. They make it harder for a thief to get out again. But don’t leave the key near the door or in an obvious place.

4. Don’t leave spare keys outside or in a garage shed, and put car keys or garage keys out of sight in the house.

5. Use timers for lights and radios if you need to be away from home overnight. They will create the impression that someone is in.

6. Visible burglar alarms, good lighting, and carefully directed security lighting can put burglars off. But make sure that lights don’t disturb your neighbours, and that alarms turn off after 20 minutes.

7. Fences at the back of the house may make this area more secure, but walls and solid fencing may let a thief break in without being seen. A good compromise is chain-link fencing, or trellises with prickly shrubs.

8. Fitting a ‘spy hole’ allows you to see who is at the door. Having a door chain means that you can open the door a little way to talk to them.

Make sure that any improvements you make don’t stop you from getting out of your house as quickly as possible if there is a fire.

Who can help you to do this

Tenants

If you rent your house or flat, your landlord has some responsibility towards its security. If your home is not secure, ask your landlord if they will make necessary improvements. It will be cheaper for them to fit window locks than to mend a broken window.

If you live in social housing or in a block of flats, forming a tenants’ association might make security easier.

Homeowners

Spending money on security measures can seem daunting, but there is a good investment, will last a long time and can add value to your property.

Contact your council or local police for help. They may be able to advise you on the best measures to protect your property, and may even have grants to help cover the cost.

Personal Safety at Home

Inside Your Home

• View your home from a burglar’s perspective—what might attract or deter them?
• Over 50% of burglaries happen through unlocked doors or windows.
• Use motion-triggered safety lights as a deterrent.
• Keep keys out of sight from windows and avoid labeling them with your name or address.

Callers at the Door

• Use spy holes, door chains, intercoms, and external lighting to identify visitors.
• Always ask for ID from callers claiming to represent organisations.
• Verify their identity using official contact numbers, not those on the ID card.
• Lock other entrances before answering the door to prevent distraction burglaries.

Answering the Phone

• Don’t answer with your name, address, or number. 
• Avoid sharing personal information with unknown callers.
• If using an answering machine, avoid messages that suggest you’re away.
• Use initials and surname in directories instead of full names.

Malicious or Nuisance Calls

• Stay calm and hang up without engaging.
• Record the time and nature of the call.
• Report persistent issues to the police and your telephone provider.

If You Suspect an Intruder

• If inside: Call the police immediately—do not investigate.
• If returning home: Do not enter—call the police from a safe location.
• Be a good neighbour: report suspicious activity.

When Going Away

• Always lock windows and doors.
• Use timer switches for lights or radios to give the impression someone is home.
• Avoid publicising your absence on social media.
• Cancel deliveries like milk or newspapers to avoid obvious signs of absence.

Outside Your Home

• Be alert to suspicious behaviour near your home.
• If followed, head to a public place and seek help.
• Have your keys ready before reaching your door—don’t fumble at the doorstep.
• Never use keys as a weapon.

Vehicle Security Advice

Crime involving cars, motorbikes, and bicycles is common—but most of it is preventable. Here’s how to protect your property:

Bicycles

1. Use a strong lock – D-locks or combination locks are best. Look for Sold Secure Ltd approved locks.

2. Lock your bike to something secure – like a bike rack or lamppost. If none are available, ask your local council to install some.

3. Secure removable parts – lock or take items like wheels and lights with you.

4. Consider security marking or engraving your bike.

Motorbikes

1. Always lock your bike and set the alarm if it has one.

2. Lock it to something secure when parked for long periods. At home, install secure anchor points.

3. Use a motorbike cover to deter thieves.

4. Mark your bike with its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Cars

• Lock doors and close windows every time you leave the car.
• Don’t leave anything on display – even a jacket can attract thieves.
• Remove the stereo if possible. Tuck in wing mirrors and lower the aerial.
• Never store car documents in the vehicle.
• Use a Thatcham-approved immobiliser or steering lock for older cars.
• Etch the windows with your Vehicle Registration Number (VRN) and record the chassis number.
• Keep car keys safe at home – out of sight and away from doors or windows.