Current timestamp: 24/06/2025 23:16:18
AgeAlertAnonymousAppealsApplicationsApply Or RegisterArea OutlineArrow DownArrow LeftArrow RightArrow UpAutomatic DoorsBack ArrowBusinessCalendarCashArrow DownArrow LeftArrow RightArrow Down[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-chrome' for 'English (United Kingdom)']ClockCloseContactDirectionsDocumentDownloadDrawDrugExpandExternal LinkFacebookFb CommentFb LikeFiletype DefaultFiletype DocFiletype PdfFiletype PptFiletype XlsFinance[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-firefox' for 'English (United Kingdom)']First AidFlickrFraudGive FeedbackGlobeGuide DogHealthHearing ImpairedInduction LoopInfoInstagramIntercom[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-internet-explorer' for 'English (United Kingdom)']LaptopLiftLinkedinLocal Activity[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-location' for 'English (United Kingdom)']LoudspeakerLow CounterMailMapMap PinMembershipMenuMenu 2[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-microsoft-edge' for 'English (United Kingdom)']Missing PeopleMobility ImpairmentNationalityNorth PointerOne Mile RadiusOverviewPagesPaper PlaneParkingPdfPhonePinterestPlayPushchairRefreshReportRequestRestart[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-rotate-clockwise' for 'English (United Kingdom)']Rss[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-safari' for 'English (United Kingdom)']SearchShareSign LanguageSnapchatStart AgainStatsStats And Prevention AdviceStopSubscribeTargetTattosTell Us AboutTickTumblrTwenty Four HoursTwitter LikeTwitter ReplyTwitter RetweetUploadVisually ImpairedWhatsappWheelchairWheelchair AssistedWheelchair ParkingWheelchair RampWheelchair WcYoutubeZoom InZoom Out

Leave this site

Cookies

We use some essential cookies to make our website work. We’d like to set additional cookies so we can remember your preferences and understand how you use our site.

You can manage your preferences and cookie settings at any time by clicking on “Customise Cookies” below. For more information on how we use cookies, please see our Cookies notice.

Accept cookies Reject cookies Customise cookies

Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.

Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.

Sorry, there was a technical problem. Please try again.

Skip to main content

Skip to main navigation

Welcome

Thanks for trying the 'beta' version of our new website. It's a work in progress, we'll be adding new services over the next few weeks, so please take a look and tell us what you think.

Get started

Staffordshire Police crest

  • Back to Report

    • Crime
    • Domestic abuse
    • Rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences
    • Road traffic incident
    • Report antisocial behaviour
    • Missing person
    • Fraud, bribery or corruption
    • Spiking
    • Lost or found property
    • Lost or stolen vehicles
    • Hate crime
  • Back to Tell us about

    • Tell us about possible terrorist activity
    • How to tell us about something you've seen or heard
    • An existing case or report
    • A procession or event you are planning
    • Filming
  • Back to Apply or register

    • Careers and volunteering
    • Charity collection licences
    • Compensation for victims of crime
    • Firearm, shotgun or explosives certificate
    • Attend a misconduct hearing
    • Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP)
  • Back to Request

    • A collision report
    • Intellectual property (IP) licence
    • Compensation for something the police have done
    • Your fingerprints
    • Information: about the police, about yourself or someone else
    • Request an update
  • Back to Thanks and complaints

    • Feedback about the website
    • Complaints
    • Say thanks
  • Your area
  1. ...
  2. News

Protect yourselves and homes from distraction burglars and bogus officials after reports of incidents

Main article content

Appeals
Published: 14:31 12/02/2021

Officers would like to remind Staffordshire residents of how they can protect themselves from distraction burglars and bogus officials after reports of incidents along the border with West Midlands Police.

Asking to see identification, listening to any doubts in your mind and not letting anybody into your property you are unsure about are the main ways to stay safe from this type of crime often instigated either by a phone call or a cold call at your front door.

A distraction burglary and/or bogus caller is where someone calls at your home posing as someone they’re not – normally an official or council worker. They then make up a story to get into your home.

To prevent yourself from falling victim to these criminals we ask that you listen to the following advice: 

  • Make sure your front and back doors are locked at all times – even when you’re at home. If you’re answering the front door then make extra sure your back door is locked – as criminals could be working in pairs or groups.
  • Before you answer the door it’s worth taking a second to think about whether you’re expecting anyone – if you can see who’s there before answering make sure you do.
  • Don’t let anyone pressure you into letting themselves inside your house – even during lockdown call a neighbour or police to help if you’re uncomfortable.
  • Public service employees and officials are required to show identification when they come to your home – make sure you take time to look at it carefully and check it isn’t fake. If in doubt – call the number on a utility bill or an official website and ask for confirmation. Any genuine worker will not mind waiting.
  • If you have a chain on your door – use it. Don’t remove it unless you’re absolutely certain that person is genuine.
  • Never agree to have work done by someone passing by – even if they seem legitimate.
  • Put signs up saying you aren’t interested in receiving cold callers to reduce the number of unexpected callers at your door.
  • Tighten up security – focus on improving the protection given by doors, windows and fences to make it harder for anyone trying to break in.
  • Keep all valuable items out of sight and, if possible, in a safe – if anyone does manage to get in safely stored items will make it much harder for them to find and take.

Staffordshire Police Sergeant Gary Harborow said: “We urge all residents to always ask to see identification from anybody knocking at their door claiming to be from an organisation.

“If you are ever suspicious or have any doubts please do not let people into your property. Close the door and ring the organisation to find out whether the person was genuine or not.

“To report any suspicious incidents such as this please message the force on social media or call 101 to pass on the details. In an emergency, always dial 999.”

Share

Footer navigation

Staffordshire Police

  • Contact us
  • News
  • Careers
  • About us
  • Campaigns
  • Privacy notice
  • Cookies
  • Terms and conditions
  • Accessibility

Information and services

  • Advice and information
  • Crime prevention
  • Stats and data
  • Accessing information (FOI)
  • Report
  • Tell us about
  • Apply or register
  • Request
  • Feedback

Partners

  • Police.uk
  • Ask the Police
  • Police and Crime Commissioner

Follow us on:

© Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.