Watch out for callers at your door

We receive calls about ‘bogus callers’ every week, some are honest mistakes, others are less scrupulous companies who charge inflated prices for shoddy work or carry out ‘repairs’ that aren’t required, and finally those using the guise of a genuine caller to get access to homes to steal.

From bogus callers to rogue traders, doorstep criminals are cunning, creative, and often very convincing.

Anyone can be fooled as these people are professional con artists. However, the over-60s are often specifically targeted.

How can you protect yourself from doorstep crime?

We do not recommend dealing with cold-callers for property maintenance and home repairs.

Be on guard if someone turns up unexpectedly. Keep front and back doors locked. Use the door viewer or nearby window when answering the door.

Fit a door chain or bar – use it and keep it on when talking to callers at the door.

If you’re not sure, don’t answer the door.

Don’t feel embarrassed – genuine callers expect you to be careful.

Only let callers in if they have an appointment and you have confirmed they are genuine.

Always ask for identification badges of anyone you answer the door to, but don’t rely on them. Identity cards can be faked – phone the company to verify their identity.

Some companies offer a password system. Ask your utility providers if this can be used and if you have a password with a company make sure the caller uses it.

Never let people try to persuade you to let them into your home even if they are asking for help – they may not be genuine. If someone is persistent, ask them to call at another time and arrange for a friend or family member to be with you.

Never agree to pay for goods or give money to strangers who arrive at your door. Don’t keep large amounts of money in your home.

Remember, it’s your home. There’s no reason why anyone should ever enter your home against your wishes.

If you’re not sure, don’t answer the door.

● We are appealing for information about an assault which took place during the early hours on Sunday, January 15, on Laighstonehall Road, Hamilton. A young male sustained serious injuries to the head and body following an attack with a weapon. Any information to our CID based at Cambuslang via ‘101’.

●A café on Castle Street, Hamilton was broken into overnight on January 11. A quantity of cash was taken and a Toshiba laptop also stolen.

●Between 11pm and 12.30am on Monday, January 16, into Tuesday, January 17, two motor vehicles were set on fire in close proximity. The first was in Marswood Green and the second in Gilligan’s Way, Hamilton.

Both vehicles are written off and a third vehicle also suffered minor damage as a result. Our CID are also dealing with this enquiry.

If you have any information you feel should be reported or information on any of the crimes previously detailed please contact the police using 101, or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111