Bogus caller warning in Carmarthenshire
Residents in Carmarthenshire are being warned about a doorstep conman pretending to be from a leading childrens’ charity.
Police say the bogus caller has been operating in the Bonllwyn area of Ammanford and claims to be raising money for the NSPCC. However, he has no identification or official sponsorship forms.
The Community Safety Partnership, which includes Dyfed-Powys Police and the county council, is now warning residents to be on their guard and never let a stranger into their home.
The message is: IF IN DOUBT, KEEP THEM OUT.
Before opening the door to anyone, use a spy hole or look through the window first, then apply the door chain and ask for identification.
If you are still not satisfied that the person is genuine, do not let them in but tell them to come back by appointment. If the caller is persistent, close the door and call the police.
Community Safety Inspector Tony Ward said: “Most people who call at your home will be genuine. But sometimes, people turn up unannounced, with the intention of tricking their way into your home. They are known as ‘distraction burglars’ or ‘bogus callers’ and they often prey on the most vulnerable people in the community, such as the elderly, who are considered to be an easy target.
“The message is simple, when a stranger calls, do not allow them into your home unless you are 100 per cent satisfied the person is a genuine caller. Better still, tell them to return at a later date. The genuine caller will understand, but you are unlikely to see the bogus caller again.”
Carmarthenshire is one of the safest places to live in England and Wales and the aim of the Community Safety Partnership is to make the county even safer.
Reducing the number of burglaries is a key priority for the partnership. Last year there were 243 domestic burglaries in Carmarthenshire compared to 295 the previous year, that’s a 17.6 per cent reduction.
Partnership manager Kate Thomas said: “Crime continues to fall and if we all take on board police advice and use simple preventative measures, there will be fewer burglaries and, most importantly, less victims.”
If you suspect someone is attempting to trick their way into your home or trying to obtain money from you call Dyfed-Powys Police on 101 or CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111
Police say the bogus caller has been operating in the Bonllwyn area of Ammanford and claims to be raising money for the NSPCC. However, he has no identification or official sponsorship forms.
The Community Safety Partnership, which includes Dyfed-Powys Police and the county council, is now warning residents to be on their guard and never let a stranger into their home.
The message is: IF IN DOUBT, KEEP THEM OUT.
Before opening the door to anyone, use a spy hole or look through the window first, then apply the door chain and ask for identification.
If you are still not satisfied that the person is genuine, do not let them in but tell them to come back by appointment. If the caller is persistent, close the door and call the police.
Community Safety Inspector Tony Ward said: “Most people who call at your home will be genuine. But sometimes, people turn up unannounced, with the intention of tricking their way into your home. They are known as ‘distraction burglars’ or ‘bogus callers’ and they often prey on the most vulnerable people in the community, such as the elderly, who are considered to be an easy target.
“The message is simple, when a stranger calls, do not allow them into your home unless you are 100 per cent satisfied the person is a genuine caller. Better still, tell them to return at a later date. The genuine caller will understand, but you are unlikely to see the bogus caller again.”
Carmarthenshire is one of the safest places to live in England and Wales and the aim of the Community Safety Partnership is to make the county even safer.
Reducing the number of burglaries is a key priority for the partnership. Last year there were 243 domestic burglaries in Carmarthenshire compared to 295 the previous year, that’s a 17.6 per cent reduction.
Partnership manager Kate Thomas said: “Crime continues to fall and if we all take on board police advice and use simple preventative measures, there will be fewer burglaries and, most importantly, less victims.”
If you suspect someone is attempting to trick their way into your home or trying to obtain money from you call Dyfed-Powys Police on 101 or CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111
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