Doorstep Crime

Doorstep crime refers to rogue traders and bogus officials intending to commit distraction burglary.

Whilst we do have genuine callers at our doors there are unfortunately those that exploit people in their homes.

This includes nuisance callers, rogue traders looking to exploit residents and criminals pretending to represent an agency who then gain access to the house with intent to steal.

Having and using a door chain is the first line of defence.

Rogue Traders

If the goods or services offered by a doorstep trader cost more than £42 you usually have 14 days to change your mind and cancel the contract. By law the trader must give you a written notice detailing your rights to cancel the contract, failure by the trader to do this is a criminal offence.

Some common types of approach used by rogue traders are,

• “We are only in the area this week” – Don’t engage with anyone that you cannot contact again. This seeks to pressure you to make a quick decision.
• “There are loose tiles on your roof” – This seeks to pressure and worry you and make hasty decisions. Contact a reputable trader in your area if you are still concerned.
• “We have left over materials from a job down the road so it’s a cheap price” – this often results in poor quality materials or in many cases the price increases as soon as the work starts. Often it will be suggested further faults have been found and the price escalates. There could also be the risk that the goods or materials are stolen.

The simplest way to avoid rogue traders is not to engage with them, say no thanks, shut the door and stick to it. If you feel unsafe call the police.

Worcestershire Trading Standards work to protect consumers, and they have good advice on how to avoid rogue traders and how to find reputable traders.

Bogus Officials and Distraction Burglary

Distraction burglary is when a person tries to gain access to your home by trying to trick you into believing they need help or are officials in the area. Very often they will operate in pairs so one attempts the distraction whilst the other one takes the opportunity to steal things in the home. Having and using a door chain is the first line of defence.

Common distraction burglary tactics are,

• Asking for help – Its natural to wish to help but do not let anyone you do not know into your home, offer to call someone for them or direct them elsewhere.
• Pretending to be from a utility company- this is often accompanied by the caller trying to inject urgency or anxiety. Call the utility company first without using a number the caller has given you.
• Pretending to be Police Officers or other officials - criminals use this ploy to intimidate residents into complying. No official will have a problem with you contacting the agency they say they are from to confirm they are genuine. Do this without using a number the caller has given you.

If you believe a caller has attempted to gain access to your home unlawfully call the Police.

The Nominated Neighbour Scheme offered by Community safety and the Police can help ward off doorstep criminals.