Doorstep safety

Bogus callers, sometimes known as doorstep thieves, are people who trick their way into people's homes with the intention of stealing money or property.

These people often work in teams of two or more and they usually prey on people who are elderly or vulnerable. Bogus callers can be anyone and use many different guises to gain entry to your home, often pretending to be Council officials, workmen from the gas or water board, or even the police. Most official companies will send you a letter first and you can ask your gas, water or electricity supplier to give you a unique password for additional security.

If you are in any doubt about the person on your doorstep then remember the following advice:

Always

• Use your door-chain or door-bar when answering the door and install a door viewer and an outside light.
• If you are over 50, Age UK may be able to help with the cost of fitting security devices to your door.
• Ask to see the caller's identity card and check it thoroughly. If you feel unsure ask the caller to wait on the doorstep while you phone the company to check.
• Lock the door whilst you go and phone and don't open the door until you are totally convinced.  Anyone who is genuine will not mind you doing this.
• Ask them to return at an agreed day and time when you have someone with you.  Don't let callers put pressure on you to let them in.
• If in doubt - keep them out.
• If you are suspicious - ring the Police on 0161 872 5050, or 101 (calls cost 15p).  In an emergency, dial 999.

Knock Knock - tackling doorstep crime

The Knock Knock website is a resource designed for members of the public and partner agencies involved in community safety. It is packed with useful information to help in the fight against doorstep crime which includes distraction burglary, bogus officials and rogue trader crimes. The site is easy to use and features videos, an interactive quiz and downloadable resources.

     Knock Knock website

Bogus Workmen

Bogus workmen may try to carry out unnecessary repairs on your home and can be quite persistent and convincing. If a workman says you need repairs, tell them you will get some quotes for the work from other companies before deciding. Always use a reputable company to carry out repairs or work on your property and never pay up-front. Wigan Council runs a Good Trader Scheme which aims to help take the headache out of picking a reliable trader. You can either search online at

     Wigan Council Good Trader Scheme

or phone 08454 04 05 06 and ask for the Wigan Good Trader Scheme. Our advice is simple: don't do business on the doorstep.

If you think you have had dealings with a bogus trader, contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 for information about your legal rights and advice on how to resolve your complaint. Consumer Direct works with Wigan Trading Standards to pass on details of doorstep selling complaints and to deal with the complaints.

Remember, the law gives you the right to cancel a contract for goods and services where it is entered into in the home.  If the trader has not given you this right, the contract is unenforceable and the trader has committed a criminal offence, so report your complaint to Consumer Direct.

Victim Support Stop and Lock Service

The 'Stop and Lock' service, offered by Victim Support and Witness Service for people over 50, is a prevention service, and the aim is to help people feel safe and secure in their homes.

The aim of the service is to promote independence to allow a person to live in their own home without feeling vulnerable.

It is designed to raise awareness of personal safety, which in turn will reduce the fear of crime and prevent people from wanting to move from their own home into sheltered or residential accommodation.

If you are over 50 and experiencing changing times, contact Victim Support and Witness service for a FREE security upgrade on your home.

What if I am worried?

If you do not feel confident about answering the door to strangers then contact your local neighbourhood policing team for crime reduction advice on: 0161 856 7188 (Pemberton); 0161 856 7124 (Wigan); 0161 856 7436 (Hindley); 0161 856 7225 (Leigh); or 0161 856 7319 (Atherton).

Useful Contacts

Victim Support's Stop and Lock Service
Address: Gerrard Winstanley House, Crawford Street, Wigan, WN1 1NA
Phone: 01942 489929