Crimestoppers Scotland: Doorstep Crime During The Coronavirus Crisis - Speak Up, Stay Safe

6th April 2020

Crimestoppers Scotland has today, 6th April 2020, launched a vital Doorstep Crime campaign aimed at empowering people to stay safe in their homes.

Right now, everyone has a role to play in keeping themselves and others safe, that's why the charity are appealing to people to share the message on keeping safe at home, especially with those who are most at risk

Doorstep criminals are cunning, creative, and often very convincing at targeting people, that's why our charity is encouraging people to:

THINK, SECURE, QUESTION, CONSIDER AND CONTROL.

There are two main types:

Bogus callers try to get into your home or obtain personal details by pretending to be someone they're not. This includes council staff, charity collectors, meter readers and police officers. In reality, they are criminals trying to steal money and valuables.

Rogue traders usually cold-call, claiming to be workers offering to sell services, make repairs or carry out work on your house, garden or driveway. In reality, they charge inflated prices for shoddy or unnecessary work.

Angela Parker, National Manager for Scotland at the charity Crimestoppers, said:"Our charity believes everyone has the right to feel safe wherever they live, especially in their own home and at this time. Doorstep criminals often target older people who live alone and whilst many legitimate companies use doorstep selling, sadly fraudsters also use this technique. The emotional and financial upset this causes often devastates the victim, so we are encouraging people to speak up and stay safe. Remember, it’s your home. There’s no reason why anyone should ever enter against your wishes.

"If you know or suspect who is involved in doorstep crime, scams or fraud you can speak to our independent charity 100% anonymously. When you contact our charity, we won’t judge or ask any personal details. All we want to know is what you know. You’ll remain 100% anonymous. Always.

Minister for Community Safety Ash Denham said:"This campaign by Crimestoppers will not only raise awareness of doorstep crime, it will provide valuable information and reassurance at a time when people are relying on advice from trusted sources.

“I’d encourage everyone to share this with their neighbours and loved ones to help keep our communities safe."

“Crimestoppers, as an independent charity, has kept our promise of anonymity to everyone who contacts us since we began over 32 years ago. You can tell us what you know by using our simple and secure online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling our UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111 which is open 24/7, 365 days a year. Your information could help protect those you love and your community from harm."