The following Key Message has been received from Lancashire Constabulary.

Please remind your residents to make sure
their home looks lived in during the dusk hours by leaving lights on timer switches. During the daytime it is good practice to leave a radio on. Make sure all doors and windows are locked and if they have an alarm then to make sure it is switched on if the house is empty. It is important that all suspicious activity is reported to the Police, day or night, by dialing the new non-emergency telephone number 101 or if a crime is in progress then dial 999.

Lancashire Constabulary - Police and Community Together

Key messages to Neighbourhood Watch Coordinators

1. BOGUS CALLERS

There have been incidents reported recently whereby home owners have been reporting bogus callers door knocking saying they are in the area and offering to do work such as garden clearing/tidying, and general household up keep work. There have also been reports that home owners have been distracted at the door by bogus callers, and items have been reported missing once the callers has left the area.

Bogus callers turn up unannounced and can be either smartly dressed or in work clothes. Some claim to be in the area for a short time offering to do household work/gardening or even claim to be from; The Council, the Police, Health organisations or gas, water or electric companies. They may also ask for a drink of water or to wash their hands or that they are looking for their lost pet. In fact all the stories used are convincing and persuasive. Many callers will often use 'props' such as False ID or wear overalls etc.

If in doubt - Keep them out. Do not keep large amounts of money in your home. Whether you are at home or away - keep your front and back doors locked. Report any such incidents to Lancashire Trading Standards on 01772 532145 and your local Police on 101. Remember that genuine callers will always be happy to make an appointment to call and will carry an identity card with a photograph. They won’t mind waiting if you want to phone and confirm their identity or want to rearrange the appointment. Anyone who offers to do work at your house over the value of £35 should give you a 7 day cooling off period and is not allowed to take any homeowner to a bank if they do not have the correct money at home. If this does not happen Trading Standards can prosecute the offenders.

It is important that your residents report any suspicious activity they see, during the day or night, to the Police by dialing the new non-emergency telephone number 101 or if a crime is in progress then dial 999.

2. COUNCIL TAX SCAM

Lancaster Police and Lancaster City Council have been receiving calls about persons claiming to be from the government or the City Council, stating that householders are owed a refund due to a change in their council tax band.

The caller is asking for bank account details to process the refund.

This is a scam and residents are urged not to give out personal information or bank details over the telephone.

It is important that your residents report any suspicious activity they see, during the day or night, to the Police by dialing the new non-emergency telephone number 101 or if a crime is in progress then dial 999.

Useful Links
Home Office Crime Reduction
Neighbourhood and Home Watch
Home Office Neighbourhood Watch
Crime Prevention and Community Safety
Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network
Crime Stoppers