You can stay safer at home by improving home security, being aware of scams, and creating a safe living environment.
Home security
Bogus callers
Bogus callers are sometimes known as doorstep thieves. They trick their way into people's homes to steal money or property.
These people often work in teams of two or more. They usually prey on people who are elderly or vulnerable. Bogus callers can pretend to be many different people to get into your home. They often pretend to be council officials, gas or water board staff, or even the police. Most official companies will send you a letter first. You can ask your gas, water or electricity supplier to use a password when they come to your house.
Always
- Use your door-chain or door-bar when answering the door and install a door viewer and an outside light.
- Ask to see the caller's identity card and check it thoroughly. You can also ask the caller to wait on the doorstep while you phone the company to check.
- Lock the door whilst you go and phone and don't open the door until you are totally convinced. People who are genuine will be happy to wait.
- Ask them to return at an agreed day and time when you have someone with you. Don't let callers put pressure on you to let them in.
- If in doubt - keep them out.
- If you are suspicious - ring the police.
Bogus workmen
Bogus workmen may try to carry out unnecessary repairs on your home. They can be quite persistent and convincing. If a workman says you need repairs, tell them you will get some quotes for the work from other companies and get back to them. Always use a reputable company to carry out repairs or work on your property. Never part with money - don't do business on the doorstep.
Cuckooing
Cuckooing is when criminals or drug gangs take over a vulnerable person's home and use it for illegal activities. The name comes from the cuckoo bird, because it steals other birds' nests to lay its own eggs.
Cuckooing - information from Cambridgeshire Constabulary
Cuckooing - information from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Safeguarding Partnership Board
What if I am worried?
If you do not feel confident about answering the door to strangers then contact your local police for free advice.
Telephone: 0345 456 4564 - Cambridgeshire Constabulary all non–emergency enquiries.
The Cambridgeshire Bobby Scheme
Under the Cambridgeshire Bobby Scheme , retired police officers can visit you in your home to advise you on ways to make your home more secure. The 'bobbies' can also fit security equipment, and advise you on how to reduce the risk of burglary. The service is free if you have been burgled.
For a donation the Bobby Scheme helps improve security for older people who are at high risk or feel vulnerable, and disabled people who live alone. This may include installing peep holes, door chains, window alarms and other security devices.
Fire safety
Home Fire Safety visits
Home Fire Safety Visits were previously known as 'Safe and Well' visits. Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) carries out Home Fire Safety visits for people who are most vulnerable in our community. This includes those who smoke, have a disability, or mental health issues. Visits are prioritised according to individual risk.
The visit takes up to 60 minutes and is free of charge. Visits assess:
- fire safety in the home
- smoking
- keeping warm in your home
- falls prevention
- crime prevention and scams
Book a visit
Find out if you are eligible for a free home fire safety check using the link below. Or contact the automated message line on 0800 917 9994 and leave a message including the person’s name, address and daytime phone number to receive a call back.
Apply for a Home Fire Safety visit / find out more
Form for practitioner referrals for a Home Fire Safety visit
Fire safety for the hard of hearing
You can buy special fire alarms which include strobe lights and vibration pads.
More information around support for deafness and hearing loss.
Clutter and hoarding
A person who has mental health needs may not always be aware of the dangers to themselves in relation to fire. Storing and hoarding lots of belongings, papers or rubbish can be a fire risk. If you are worried about someone's hoarding, you can arrange for a home fire safety check as above.
Too much clutter can make a home unsafe and increase the risk of fire and falls. If you or someone you know struggles with hoarding, help is available.
Signs of hoarding may include:
- rooms filled with possessions and little space to move
- difficulty throwing things away
- feeling anxious about discarding items
- buying or collecting items you don't need
If you feel as though this describes you, or someone you know, support is available to help you manage it safely and sensitively. There is advice and support available at www.mind.org.uk (search ‘Hoarding’) and www.nhs.uk (search ‘Hoarding disorder’).
Community alarms and detectors
You can find information about community alarms on our Technology Enabled Care webpage.
Scams
Every year millions of people lose money through scams. We are all potential targets for the criminals who might try to scam us.
Find out more about how to protect yourself and fight back against the scammers
Age UK Cambridgeshire and Peterborough can also provide help and advice.
Telephone: 0300 666 9860 for more information.
Anti-social behaviour
Antisocial behaviour is behaving in a way that causes, or is likely to cause, alarm or distress to people in another household.
Read Age UK's advice on dealing with problems with neighbours and anti-social behaviour.
To report anti-social behaviour, you need to contact your district council:
- Huntingdonshire District Council - information on anti-social behaviour
- South Cambridgeshire District Council - information on anti-social behaviour
- East Cambridgeshire District Council - information on anti-social behaviour
- Cambridge City Council - information on anti-social behaviour
- Fenland District Council - information on anti-social behaviour
If the incident is a crime, contact the police on 101 (non-emergencies).
In case of emergency please call 999.
