“While this type of crime is not a daily occurrence, it only needs to happen once, and a house holder can find that money or jewellery or other types of valuables have been taken. “At times bogus callers travel in pairs. While one comes to the door to talk to you, and distract your attention, the other may gain access to your home through a side or back door, or even window, take what doesn’t belong to them, and make good their escape before you even know what has happened.” The inspector added that bogus callers will sometimes offer residents a brief glimpse of an identity card in the hope this will satisfy them and said we should not be fooled. Ask to see the identity card properly. She said, “You can also phone Quick Check on 0800 013 22 90 and the person on the other end will check the caller at your door is legitimate. The service is free and operates 24 hours a day. “Genuine callers will not mind waiting until you have checked that they are who they say they are. If you are not convinced by the identity of the caller, do not let them in and call the police emergency number 999 immediately. “If you would like advice on crime prevention and how to make your home safer, please ring 0845 600 8000 and ask to speak to your local crime prevention officer.”]]>