They may say that their car has broken down and they need to
phone someone for help. They may pretend to be a workman, saying that
they need to check your electricity or water. They might even claim to
be from the council and that they are carrying out a local survey.
Whatever reason a visitor gives, you need to be sure that they aren't
just trying to get into your home to steal something.
There are around 12,000 incidents of "distraction burglary" each year where strangers get into homes and then steal cash or valuables while the occupier is distracted in some way. Sometimes they work in pairs with one doing the talking while the other is stealing, and they often target the elderly.
Put the door chain or door bar on before opening the door and talk through the gap. You could even fit a small mirror to the wall next to the door so that you can easily see the person you are talking to. When the stranger has left and you've closed the door, don't forget to unhook the chain so that any friend or relative you have given a key to can still get in.
Make sure your back door is locked if someone knocks at your front door. Sometimes thieves work together with one coming in the back way, while the other keeps you talking at the front.
Keeping the chain on the door, ask visitors from the council or any other organization to pass through some identification. If you need your glasses to check this, don't think it is rude to close the door to go and get them. A genuine visitor won't mind. If you're still not sure, ask the caller to leave and tell them to write and make an appointment so that someone else can be with you the next time they stop by. The basic rule is if you don't know the person at your door, don't let them in.
As part of the Government's "Stop, Chain, Check" campaign, local councils, social services, centers for the elderly have further information they can provide. They can also help with "peep-holes", chains, and mirrors, and in certain circumstances, may be able to supply a personal attack alarm that connects through a control center.
Stay safe! Visit http://www.UrbanSafetySupplies.com and http://www.HiTechHiddenCameras.com for all of your self defense and security item needs.
About The Author
Robert Young is the owner and editor of Urban Safety Supplies and Hi-Tech Hidden Cameras. Stay safe! Visit http://www.urbansafetysupplies.com for all your security item needs. Stun guns, pepper spray, personal alarms, and more! Also visit http://www.hittechhiddencameras.com and see our hidden cameras, spy, and surveillance equipment.
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