Bogus callers, who may be any age and appearance, male or female, aim to trick or worry you into leaving your house or letting them in, by making up stories. They may pose as tradesmen or as water, electric or gas board workers, or as council officials or police officers.

You may prevent this type of crime if you take the following precautions:

– Think before you open the door – use your chain and spy hole or look out of the window to see if you recognise them.

– Ask callers for proof of identity and check it. If you are unsure, phone the company the caller claims to represent – use the phone number in the phone book and not on the identity card.

– Utilities companies now offer a password identification system. Any caller from one of these companies should be able to give a pre-arranged password as additional proof of identity.

– If you are in any doubt, don’t let them in. Ask the caller to come back later and arrange for a friend, relative or neighbour to be present on their return.

– If you are still worried dial 999 immediately and ask for the police.

If you have any information on any crime, and you would prefer not to speak to police you can call Crimestoppers anonymously or 0800 555 111, or visit: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Crimestoppers is an independent charity.

The Metropolitan Police Service is here for London, working with you to make London a safer city. Call 101 to report a crime, get advice or raise local issues.

In an emergency always call 999. Or visit our website www.met.police.uk/crimeprevention