Neighbourhood Watch
One of the best ways to make the community safer, is to be part of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme. The Neighbourhood Watch is the largest voluntary movement within the UK, with an estimated 10 million people involved and is about people working together to make their communities safer and friendlier places to live and work.

The aim of Neighbourhood Watch is to help people protect themselves and their properties, reduce the fear of crime and improve their local environment.

Wiltshire's official Neighbourhood Watch website, provided by the Wiltshire Constabulary, provides information and details on crime detection, reduction, schemes available to ensure we all live in a safer environment. Updated regularly, it provides an education to public what neighbourhood watch is all about. Full details can be found at www.nhw-wilts.org.uk

Bogus Callers
There have been many scare stories in the local media about householders being burgled or ripped off by bogus callers (also often called distraction burglary). Some people are now afraid to even open their door to anyone. The good news is that the vast majority of callers to your door will be genuine people from reputable companies. The bad news is that each victim of a bogus caller is one too many and that the most likely victims are those who are most vulnerable. We have details of the latest alerts sent in from Wiltshire Trading Standards highlighting possible bogus callers operating in the area. For further details click here

The knock on the door - The Bogus Callers
What is a bogus caller?
Many burglars will not go to the trouble of breaking in if they do not have to.

Bogus callers at your door will pretend to be any one of a number of authentic callers. They may claim to be officials from the council, service companies, health authority or other organisations. They may also pretend to be genuine dealers or salespeople. They may impersonate workmen and say that they need to come in to check something or make urgent repairs. Even young children and women may be used to gain your trust and entry to your home.

These types of bogus caller all want to steal from you, trick you, or overcharge you for work that they do.
Therefore it is very important to make sure any callers to your home are genuine. Check the latest alerts for residents about Bogus Callers operating in he area. More...

How to check that callers are genuine -
STOP - CHAIN - CHECK!!
Here is some simple advice to follow to help you make sure that your caller is not a bogus caller.

• STOP - think before you open your door. Are you expecting anyone? Do they have an appointment? If you can, look/talk to them through your door or a window.
• CHAIN - secure the door bar or chain before opening the door
• CHECK - use a door viewer if you have one to see the caller - ask the caller for proof of identity or identity card. Check it carefully, but keep the chain on.

If the caller doesn’t have an appointment, tell them to wait outside while you ring their office to confirm their identity. Use the number from the phone book and not a number on any ID card provided by the caller. If the caller is legitimate then you can ask them to call back when you can have a friend or family member with you. Remember - genuine callers will not mind if you check. If you have any suspicions at all - do not let the caller into your home. If you think you may be at risk then call the Police - dial 999.

Some service companies operate a password system to verify the caller’s status. Contact your local Water/ Gas / Electricity company to find out more. If you don’t have a chain or viewer then you should try and have them fitted - contact the crime prevention or community safety officer at your local Police station for advice. All been issued with identity cards and will be very happy for you to ask to see them.

Remember, genuine callers will not mind if you ask for them for confirmation of identity. Factsheets are available which include Vehicle Crime, Home Security and Personal Safety. Contact the NNWA for copies or check www.neighbourhoodwatch.net to download sheets.