27 November 2007

Householders are being warned to be alert after a man called at a home in Aylesbury today and apparently tried to pass himself off as a member of Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service.

He told an 82-year-old woman that he had come to fit a smoke alarm. He was wearing a dark uniform

Sensibly, she did not let him into her home. Police fear he may have been trying to carry out a distraction burglary.

Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service community safety manager Paul McShane said: “Although we do offer a free smoke alarm-fitting service, we do not simply knock on people’s doors and ask them if they want one. We invite them to ring us or send us an email so that we make a proper appointment to come and assess the fire risk in their home. This is called a Home Fire Risk Check, and it usually takes between 20 and 30 minutes.

“Our staff always carry identity cards, and they always wear our distinctive uniform with the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service crest.

“We do sometimes leaflet an area, perhaps if there has been a fire nearby or if there is a community safety event taking place locally, but we would never simply turn up on someone’s doorstep out of the blue.”

If you would like to book a Home Fire Risk Check, ring 01296 744477, email cs@bucksfire.gov.uk

If you know anything about today’s incident, or are suspicious about an approach from someone saying they are a fire service representative, ring the Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505.

If you don’t want to speak to police or leave your name, call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 11.

Advice from Thames Valley Police

Follow these simple rules to keep yourself safer:

• Never open your door to a stranger. If someone comes to your door, use your intercom system, or shout through the door to see who is there.
  
  
• If the person is not expected, do not open your door. Tell them to make an appointment. If they say there is an emergency, check with the police.
  
  
• If the person is expected, put the chain on and then check ID if you are able to do that. If you do not have a chain, ask for ID to be put through the letterbox.
  
  
• Some offenders will not bother to ‘trick’ their way in if they find an insecure window or door. Make sure all your windows and doors can be easily locked and are locked whenever you leave the room. Padlock your side gate.
  
  
• If you are elderly and need any work done in your home or garden it is advisable to contact Age Concern to ask for advice. There are many ‘bogus callers’ who are offering to do work for people and it is difficult to check whether they are genuine.
  
  
• If you are worried about your security, contact your local crime reduction office via the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505.
  
  
• More security advice can be found on the Thames Valley Police website at www.thamesvalley.police.uk/reduction/saferhomes/safehome/index.htm

Detective Constable Andy Netting from Thames Valley Police's Priority Crime Team said: “There is no reason why a stranger should ever come into your home. All agencies or utility companies should make an appointment and also use a password system.

“I would urge anyone with elderly or vulnerable relatives, neighbours or carers to check their home security and alert them to the dangers of opening the door to a stranger.”