Offenders are continuing to target homes claiming to be ‘officials’ from the council or water board. With the approaching good weather they can pose as gardeners or workmen offering ‘bogus’ services in order to con their way into your home so that they can steal money and purses.

Crime Reduction Advisor for Leigh, Lisa Mogan, said: “Don’t let anyone into your home that you don’t know. Ask to see their ID card and further check their identity by phoning the company they claim to be from, obtaining the number from the phone book, not on the card. Genuine callers will not mind waiting.”

REMEMBER

• Ensure all doors are locked even when at home. Always put the chain on before you open the door, or look out the window to identify the caller.

• Always ask to see an ID card. If you are at all unsure, ask the caller to come back when you have someone with you.

• Register with a password scheme through your utility companies. Genuine utility officials will then know to quote your chosen password when they call.

• Never be pressurised to accept trades people at your door. Use reputable traders such as those registered with the Councils’ Good Trader Scheme 01942 486702.

• Don’t keep large sums of cash in the home.

If in doubt, keep them out!

For further home security advice please visit www.homeoffice.gov.uk/secureyourhome/.