Distraction Burglary
A guide for care professionals & carers
Keep An Eye Open for Bogus Callers - a guide for care professionals & carers
In your role as a carer, you are in regular contact with the person you care for. Whether you are a professional carer, a friend or a relative, you are in a unique position to help prevent that person from becoming a victim of bogus callers, by passing on some common sense tips.
Generally the fear of crime is higher than the actual risk of being a victim. With your help, the person you care for can be empowered to deal with doorstep callers and this will in turn help to reduce the fear.
Although older people are at less risk of being a victim of burglary, they may be more vulnerable to being the victims of bogus callers and rogue traders.
You can help by engaging the person you care for in general conversation to find out if there have been any suspicious callers. This should be done sensitively so as not to cause undue anxiety.
This will be an opportunity for the person you care for to voice any concerns they might have or for you to establish that something out of the ordinary has happened. It will also ensure any suspected crimes are reported promptly.
Sometimes, bogus callers target the same victims over period of time. Your action can break the cycle. It is therefore important that you report anything suspicious that they tell you.
Bear in mind, before reporting a crime you need to ensure that you have the permission of the person you care for. Better still, you should encourage the person you care for to report it themselves.
It is good doorstep protocol for professional carers to show their ID cards, when calling on clients. This will allow the person being cared for to get used to checking someone’s identity.
BOGUS CALLERS or DISTRACTION BURGLARS
Most people who call will be genuine, but sometimes someone may turn up unannounced, with the intention of tricking their way into a home with the intention of committing burglary.
These people are ‘distraction burglars’, also known as ‘bogus callers’ and their aim is to distract, so that they can steal money and valuables.
Bogus callers may be smartly dressed and claim to be from the council, the police, utility company or health organisation.
They may just ask for a drink of water, to wash their hands or use the telephone in an emergency. They may sometimes claim to have lost a pet or a ball in the back garden.
They may be men, women or children but all have one thing in common; to steal money and valuables. They can be very convincing, persuasive and plausible.
They may call alone or, more usually, with another person. One will distract the householder, while the other enters the property.
Engage the person you care for in conversation. See if you can establish if they have had any unsolicited callers.
ROGUE TRADERS
Rogue Traders come in various guises. Some will call trying to convince homeowners that repair and maintenance work needs doing. This may be a lie.
If they are engaged to carry out work, the work may be sub standard and at inflated prices. Sometimes, no work will be done at all.
They may offer to take the customer to their bank/building society to draw out large sums of cash.
The person you care for should not be pressured into paying someone before work has been done or goods received. They should not accept any offers to drive them to the bank/building society/post office to withdraw the money.
Engage the person you care for in conversation. Check that this has not happened.
As a carer, you should advise that quotes are obtained from at least three companies if the person you care for needs work done to their home. Neighbours, or the local council may be able to offer the names of reputable traders. Trading Standards also have lists of ‘trusted traders’ or there is the Trustmark scheme http://www.trustmark.org.uk/.
If the person you care for has problems or disagreements with suppliers of goods or services; from overcharging to faulty goods, from dodgy workmanship to reporting unscrupulous traders or "cowboys" and scams, contact Consumer Direct http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/ or 08454 04 05 06 for advice and information.
Some rogue traders will call selling a variety of products. They may make many claims for their products, which will not always be true. Prices are usually over inflated and the buyer may be convinced to buy something they don’t really need.
Some callers may employ aggressive sales techniques, and whilst this may not involve any criminal act, it can be very intimidating.
Make sure the person you care for has not been pressured into buying something they don't need. There is now legislation to cover this type of selling, which must involve a ‘cooling off’ period. That is, cancellation rights, should the customer change their mind.
Engage the person you care for in conversation. See if you can establish whether they have been subjected to aggressive sales techniques.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
You might become aware of bogus callers or rogue traders visiting the person you care for or you might suspect that the person you care for has been a victim of a distraction burglary or cheated by a rogue trader.
You can help by encouraging the person to report the incident or by reporting it yourself to the appropriate authority via your supervisor. All information on bogus callers and rogue traders is valuable in tackling this form of crime.
1. Distraction Burglary – burglary should be reported to the Police.
2. Rogue Trading – rogue traders should be reported to theTrading Standards.
For further information on reporting go to: www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime-victims/victims/reportinga-crime/?version=2
Bear in mind, before reporting a crime you need to ensure that you have the permission of the person you care for. Better still, you should encourage the person you care for to report it themselves.
GOOD DOORSTEP BEHAVIOUR
Encourage the person you care for to always follow the good doorstep procedure below to help beat the bogus callers.
LOCK. keep front and back doors locked (with keys taken out), even when at home;
STOP. stop and think if anyone is expected; look through a spy hole or window to identify the caller;
CHAIN. put the door chain or door bar on first before opening the door, and keep it on whilst talking to the caller; (Normally when the door is shut and locked, the bar or chain can be left off to get out in an emergency).
CHECK. check their identity card carefully even if the caller has a pre-arranged appointment (close the door whilst doing this); look up the phone number of who the caller represents in the phone directory; ring to verify the caller's identity; do not use a phone number on the identity card, as this may be fake.
If in any doubt, keep the caller out!
You can role-play to ensure that the person you care for is confident when a caller turns up at the doorstep.
USEFUL CONTACTS
The person you care for would benefit from having a list of useful numbers kept close to their telephone. If their telephone has the facility, pre-programme numbers in for quick dialling.
Examples of useful telephone numbers might include:
• ICE contact or next of kin (ICE = In case of emergency)
• nominated neighbour (i.e. friend, relative or carer)
• local Neighbourhood Watch
• local police station
• local council
• local Trading Standards
• Consumer Direct 0845 4040506
• Crimestoppers 0800 555 111
• utility companies – gas, electric, water & telephone
ASSIST THE POLICE
This is a great opportunity for passing information on to the police. Informing the police may help them catch the bogus caller and help prevent the same from happening to others.
You may notice people loitering or unfamiliar vehicles parked in the area. Note the registration numbers of the vehicles. Tell your supervisor or the police if you come across suspicious people, vehicles or activities however insignificant they may seem.
Contact an officer at your local police station if you wish to report a crime. Or dial 999 if it is an emergency.
If you or the person you care for are concerned about passing information on, call Crimestoppers (0800 555 111). This is a way of passing on information whilst remaining anonymous.
If the person you care for has been a victim of crime, and in need of support, you can advise them to contact Victim Support. Details of local support can be found by calling the Victim Supportline on 0845 303 0900 (local call rates apply).
MONEY
Encourage the person you care for not to keep large sums of money at home. If they do not already have one, suggest they open a bank or savings account and remind them only to withdraw the minimum amount of cash required.
VALUABLES
Suggest that valuable items or items of great sentimental value are not left where they could easily be taken. A small safe might be appropriate. It is good practice to mark property, and ideally keep photographic and detailed records of valuables.
IDENTITY THEFT
Suggest that items such as bank statements, passport, and household bills are out of sight as these enable a criminal to steal someone’s identity. Any documents containing personal details which are no longer needed should be carefully disposed of, and preferably shredded.
PROPERTY APPEARANCE
The external appearance of a house and the front garden should be well-kept and maintained. A poorly maintained property will stand out and might lead to the property being targeted by bogus callers and rogue traders. Neighbours, or the local council may be able to offer the names of reputable traders. Trading Standards also have lists of ‘trusted traders’ or there is the Trustmark scheme http://www.trustmark.org.uk/ (see Handy Person schemes)
HOME SECURITY
Check if the house of the person you care for has adequate home security including door chain, door locks, window locks and door viewer. If this is lacking, contact the local authority, local police or local voluntary groups as they may run schemes or provide home security equipment free-of-charge or at a substantially reduced cost. (see Target Hardening)
FIRE SAFETY
Check if a smoke alarm is installed at the house of the person you care for. If they already have one, advise them to periodically test the alarm. Let them know that the Fire and Rescue Service can provide a free home fire safety visit and fit smoke alarms (where necessary). They also give advice on the action to be taken in the event of a fire and the points to consider when making a home fire escape plan.
TARGET HARDENING
The local authority, local police or local voluntary groups (e.g. Age Concern and Help the Aged) may run schemes to provide home security equipment free-of-charge or at a substantially reduced cost.
Some examples are below:
1. Door Chain/Bar & Door Viewer. If not already there, arrange for a door bar/chain and door viewer to be fitted. It is good practice for the person you care for to use these every time someone calls. Remind them to use the door chain/bar and door viewer when answering the door. The door chain/bar shouldn't be left on all the time in case they need to get out in an emergency.
2. Door Locks & Window Locks. Most burglaries are carried out by opportunist thieves. In 2 out of 10 burglaries, they don’t even have to use force; they get in through an open door or window. So fit window locks to all windows and five-lever mortise deadlocks (BS3621) to all outside doors. New doors and windows should be certified to British Standard BS7950 (windows) or PAS 24 -1 (doors).
3. Key Safe. A key safe offers a secure way for you to store the keys to your home. It locks and has a unique combination number. This is useful if you care for someone with physical disability, or sensory impairment, or who have difficulty getting in and out of bed. They can keep their door locked but know that authorised people can access the property. The key safe is fitted outside your home in a discreet location.
4. Memo Minder. This is normally located by the entrance to the home. Memo Minder operates using an infra-red motion detector which is triggered when the householder walks past to answer the door. A pre-record message reminds them to carry out simple checks, such as put the chain on the door, ask for ID and don't let unknown callers into the house.
5. Audio / Video Intercom. The audio intercom enables the occupier to have a two-way conversation with the caller without having to open the front door. The video intercom allows the occupier to see who is at the door as well as speak to them.
6. ‘Lifeline’/’Senior Link'. These are two examples of immediate telephone response services. If the person you care for trips or falls, feels vulnerable or is being visited by a bogus caller, they can press the button on the base unit, or the accompanying pendant or wrist strap which puts them in touch with someone who can help immediately or someone who can give reassurance and advice.
SCHEMES
Some examples of useful schemes include:
1. Nominated Neighbour schemes – Find out if the person you care for belongs to this scheme (if available in the area). In some areas, this scheme is also known as "Nominated Friend". Under the Nominated Neighbour scheme, residents are encouraged to seek the help of a neighbour, friend, carer or relative in checking that unexpected callers to their door are genuine. When an unexpected caller appears at the door, the occupant shows the Nominated Neighbour Card through a nearby window, through the letterbox or having secured the door chain, they open the door and show the card to the caller. The occupant is encouraged not to enter into a conversation with the caller or open the door, but to just show the card. A genuine caller does not mind following the instructions on the card. The card directs the caller to go to the house of a nearby 'Nominated Neighbour' who is better able to verify the caller's validity. When the Nominated Neighbour is satisfied that the caller is genuine, they accompany the caller to the person’s home. Some schemes use a card which instructs the caller to call the Nominated Neighbour's mobile phone number to arrange an appointment when the Nominated Neighbour can be present at the occupant's house.
2. Message in the Bottle schemes – Find out if the person you care for belongs to this scheme (if available in the area) so the Emergency Services have immediate access to medical information. The bottle contains a note with vital details of any illness or allergy, and details of next of kin of the householder which is kept in the fridge. Should the emergency services be called out as a result of sudden illness or personal accident, they would head straight to the fridge to find the details.
3. Handy Person schemes - Some councils run schemes such as the Home Call, Handy Van or Bobby Van services. Such a scheme provides reputable accredited handy-persons, plumbers, gardeners and locksmiths.
4. Befriending schemes - You probably understand more than most that many elderly people are lonely and might invite strangers into their homes. They must be dissuaded from doing this and if they do want genuine company, there are many groups such as the Befriending scheme that can be contacted through the local council.
5. Password Schemes - Some companies now operate a password scheme. Customers give the company a word which is confidential to them and the company. When their representative calls, they will be expected to tell the customer the password to prove they are genuine.
Check if the person you care for has registered with gas, water, electricity suppliers and other similar companies, if they operate such a scheme. These schemes will give them added peace of mind.
Remember – If in any doubt, keep the caller out.
Click here to download "A Guide for Carers - Keep an Eye Open for Bogus Callers" leaflet PDF.
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TOP TIPS FOR CARERS
• Reassure the person you care for that they are less at risk than they might imagine particularly if they follow common sense advice.
• Remind the person you care for to practice good doorstep behaviour. Remind them to lock the back door then, put the door chain/door bar on the front door before answering it.
• Advise the person you care for to keep money, credit or debit cards, cheque books, savings books and any other valuables in a safe place.
• Encourage the person you care for to have a list of useful telephone numbers available close to the telephone, or pre-programme the numbers using quick dial.
• During general conversation, ask if anything unusual has happened since your last visit (e.g. unsolicited calls). Encourage the person you care for to report anything suspicious to the police.
• Assist the police by keeping an eye out and reporting to the police any suspicious people, activities or vehicles in the area.
Further information on crime reduction can be found on the Home Office website: www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime-victims or http://www.crimereduction.gov.uk//
Other useful websites:
NB. This web page includes links to third party web sites. These links are used to provide further information and are not intended to signify that the Home Office endorses such web sites and/or their content.
http://www.trustmark.org.uk/ - Trustmark Scheme
http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/ - Consumer Direct
http://www.carers.org/ - The Princess Royal Trust for Carers
http://www.carersuk.org/ - Carers UK: The Voice of Carer
http://www.carersinformation.org.uk/ - Carers Information
www.cat.csip.org.uk/telecare - Care Services Improvement Partnership
www.fireservice.co.uk/safety/ - Fire Service
http://www.caredirections.co.uk/ - Care Directions
http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/ - Trading Standards
Last update: Monday, March 19, 2007