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Combating Bogus Callers and Distraction Burglary
22% of homes in Dacorum are occupied by pensioners.
The local papers often print stories about heartless confidence
tricksters who target elderly people claiming to be from the gas,
phone or electricity companies or even the Borough Council or
the police. These people are known as “bogus callers”.
All the utilities and authorities now carry photo-identity cards
and expect to be asked to provide a phone number that the householder
can ring to check they are who they say they are.
“Distraction burglaries” are often carried
out by people working in pairs. While one talks to the householder,
the other nips around the back and rifles through the house for
money.
The police, the Borough Council, social services
and charities like Age Concern regularly attend lunch clubs for
the elderly to explain the dangers of strangers calling at the
door and to tell them to be on their guard.
The Borough Council is also working with the police
and Hemel Hempstead Lions to fund movement activated voice alarms,
which using a pre-recorded message, remind elderly and vulnerable
residents of basic precautions when answering the door.
For more information email lou.wilson@dacorum.gov.uk
or contact her on 01442 228615.
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