Never do business on the doorstep

Despite older people being less likely to experience crime they are more likely to be victims of doorstep crime than any other group, hence the need to be more vigilant.
His key message is “Never do business on the doorstep”.

Doorstep Crime comes in many forms:

Uninvited offers of help
Typically, a workman will knock at the door claiming that he is doing work in the area or across the road and couldn’t help noticing you need the odd repair. A loose tile or wonky gutter. He would be delighted to do the work for you right now.
You should never give work to anybody at such short notice, without recommendations or independent estimates. Look for tradesman as recommended by Wyre Borough Council’s Care and Repair team and obtain at least three independent estimates.
If somebody knocks, use the door chain and say “Thanks but no thanks”.

Bogus Officials
Someone may call claiming to represent a major utility company such as gas, water or electricity and wearing the right uniform and proffering seemingly genuine credentials. They could demand to do urgent work in your house being caused by a problem in the neighbourhood and making it necessary for them to have access to your home.
Unless there has been a prior arrangement for the visit or you can independently verify their authenticity through a document or phone call, do not let them in.
Many utility companies offer a password scheme that will enable you to verify if representatives are genuine. You choose a password and this should always be quoted before they are allowed access to you home.

Distraction Burglary
A popular approach is where a young person will claim to have lost their ball in your garden and try to persuade you to come outside. This then allows a colleague to slip into your house to steal. They may also say their car has broken down and may they use your phone or bathroom.
Again, always keep the chain on and under no circumstances leave the house, just stay inside and refuse them entry.

Door to Door and High Pressure Salesman
Door to door salesmen usually appear with a bag on their shoulder selling bibs and bobs armed with a vague charity identity.
Keep the chain on and say “Thanks but no thanks”.
High pressure sales can start with a phone call or letter saying that you have been selected for a promotion or the company is in your area and wish to call to discuss their services.
Sadly it is currently popular to target the vulnerable with mobility aids such as scooters and tilting chairs. Given the opportunity they will exert great pressure on you to buy.
Again,” Thanks but no thanks “on the phone and don’t let them through the door.
Other offers can include bogus prizes (cash or holidays) and the simple advice is if it seems too good to be true then it certainly is. Under no circumstances send any money, no matter how attractive the offer.

Summarising Bob’s advic :
• Never do business on the doorstep.
• Always use your door chain if you don’t recognise the caller.
• Put the phone down if someone tries to sell you something.
• Thanks, but no thanks as early as possible

Finally, if you want to stop unwanted telephone sales calls then ring the Telephone Preference Service on 0845 070 0707 and they will stop them for free.
Similarly if you want to reduce the amount of junk mail you receive then call the Mail Preference Service on 0845 703 4599.

If you would like to find out more about the Wyre Senior Forum then please contact Sue Campbell on 774126 or Tony Ward on 855966.