Not all burglars break into homes - some will try to trick or con their way in. They are known as BOGUS CALLERS and will pretend to be on official business from respectable concerns such as the Utility Companies - Gas, Electricity and Water - or the Council. They may claim to be tradesmen or workmen calling to carry out urgent repairs.

Bogus callers succeed because they sound believable, so don't be fooled. Make sure in your own mind that they are whom they claim to be by following these simple steps:

• Think before you open the door - use your chain and spy hole or look out of the window to see if you recognise them.
• Ask callers for proof of identity. Genuine tradesmen should carry an Identification card with their photograph on. Check this carefully. If you are unsure, telephone the company the caller claims to represent.
• The Utilities now offer a password identification system. Any caller from one of companies should be able to give a pre-arranged password as additional proof of identity.
• Beware of callers who attempt to distract you by claiming that they have seen something untoward in your rear garden or somewhere which may encourage you to leave your house - they may have an accomplice awaiting this distraction.
• If you are not convinced of the identity of the caller, don't let them in. Ask the caller to come back later and arrange for a friend, relative or neighbour to be present on their return or ask the caller to contact this person.
• Remember a genuine caller won't mind waiting while you check their identity thoroughly.
• Please look out for your elderly relatives and neighbours as these criminals identify them as an easy target.

Treat every stranger with caution. If you are still worried, dial 999 immediately and ask for the police.

MORE ABOUT YOUR SPECIALIST OFFICERS

PC2411 Lisa Wells pages at Surrey Police, for Brockham and Betchworth

http://www.surrey.police.uk/borough_nso.asp?nsoid=2411

PC2411 Dom Loraine pages at Surrey Police, for Dorking South

http://www.surrey.police.uk/borough_nso.asp?nsoid=2303

PC3135 Martyn Savage pages at Surrey Police, for Rural Affairs

http://www.surrey.police.uk/borough_nso.asp?nsoid=3135

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