Distraction Burglary / Doorstep Crime

Bogus Callers

The Tameside Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership launched a major campaign to cut down on Bogus Caller Crime.

The campaign involves the Council's Community Safety Unit and partner agencies. It includes talks to community groups, public information in the press, and a free target-hardening package to residents over the age of 65 and vulnerable groups.

The pack includes the 'Identislot' device. Identislot is a safety device, which is fitted to the main entry door of your home, allowing callers to pass you their identification badge/card for you to examine, before you open the door. The slot is very easy to use, and is designed specifically for identity cards.

The project demonstrates attempts to address bogus callers and is free of charge with no obligation to participate if you choose not to. In addition a number of further security products and a 10-year maintenance free smoke alarm will be offered as part of the package.

It is our aim to help empower people by providing you with the necessary tools, information and re-education to ensure that you are aware, safe and in control when answering your door to strangers.

You can Keep Your Door Closed and ask a stranger for proof of identity, check it and return it if you are at all unsure of the caller.

What Benefits will you receive from the service?

• Provide a unique and effective method of safely, asking for, receiving, assessing and returning a strangers' ID card without ever having to open the door.
• Reduce the fear of crime
• Enhance personal safety and empowerment
• Deter Bogus officials and conmen
• Reduce the opportunity for criminals
• Provide an industry benchmark for carrying and using I.D. cards

Having Peace of Mind and Feeling Safer

The Identislot package ensures that control remains with you throughout the assessment process. By keeping the door closed you are reducing the opportunity of the caller gaining entry, and in most cases deterring a bogus caller from knocking at the door in the first place.

Identislot helps to slow down the process of assessing and verifying a caller's authenticity and provides a safe and secure environment in which to do so. Identislot is not electronic, doesn't need to be maintained by batteries, nor do you need to remember to switch it on or off, once fitted it is working continuously for you.

The Community Safety Unit wishes to underline their support for this initiative and recognise the project as a valuable contribution to community safety and crime prevention.

If you would like to receive this package please complete the form 41.5 KB or if you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Bogus Caller Presentations:

Are you a member of a small group, or large club? Ever considered a Bogus Caller Presentation?

A presentation can be shown at your group or club to explain the facts, and inform people of Doorstep Crime.

If you would like to know more or are interested in booking a presentation then please ring: Debbie Murray on 0161 342 3052.

A free goody bag will be given to every member who attends the presentation!