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I wanted to provide you with an update regarding burglary, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey. When a stranger calls…..
Bogus callers may try to trick you to gain entry to your house. Use a door chain and always ask for ID.
Bogus callers who may be any age and appearance, male or female, aim to trick or worry you into leaving your house or letting them in by making up stories. They may pose as tradesman or as water, electricity or gas board workers, or as council officials or police officers.
You can prevent this type of crime if you take the following precautions:
• 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 and check it. If you are unsure, phone the company the caller claims to represent - use the phone number in the phone book and not on the identity card.
• Utilities (gas, electric, water) companies now offer a password identification system. Any caller from one of these companies should be able to give a pre-arranged password as additional proof of identity.
• If you are in any doubt, 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.
• If you are still worried dial 999 immediately and ask for the police.
 While we will continue to pursue burglars in the area, there are steps you can do to help keep your property safe. Make sure that you: Double lock your door every time you leave the house If you can, move garden furniture or bins away from windows so that thieves cannot use them to gain access. Use laminated glass or security film on ground floor and accessible windows. Use a sash stop if you have sash windows to prevent people opening them enough to climb through. If your windows open outwards, use a key operated lock – check these are locked before leaving the house. Make sure all valuables are out of sight. Keep handbags and keys away from letterboxes or cat flaps. In the evening shut the curtains and leave lights on. Set your burglar alarm Lock your shed or garage Mark, register or record your valuables.
Please go to our website to find the latest advice and guidance on keeping yourself safe. If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.met.police.uk/, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. Get Involved Please consider getting involved and contribute to the local priority survey, we may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on. Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 
Please click here to complete the survey
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