All Areas - Bogus Callers

Police in D District (Antrim, Carrickfergus, Lisburn and Newtownabbey) are advising householders to be wary of a new bogus caller scam which takes advantage of the new “digital TV switchover”

A number of people across the District have reported bogus callers trying to trick their way inside by saying they are making preparations for the householder to receive digital channels on their television sets.

The ‘digital switchover’ means homes will no longer be able to receive an analogue signal and will only be able to watch a television with a built-in digital receiver, a digital set-top box or a subscription to a satellite or cable service.

Anyone calling at a home to do any work in connection with the switchover will only do so where a the householder has arranged an appointment. All digital installers wear uniforms and carry ID. In the interests of security they can also arrange a password with the homeowner and installers will also telephone households in advance of the appointment so that they will know the technician calling with them is genuine.

As with any unplanned or suspicious caller, householders should not grant them access the home without satisfying themselves the caller is who they claim. Residents are encouraged to use Quick Check - 0800 013 22 90 - a 24-hour Freephone service which can independently verify the identity unexpected callers.

Local police can be contacted on 0845 600 8000 or in an emergency via 999.

All Areas - Bogus Rate Refunds

This is being covered by the BBC - for your info.

5 September 2012 Last updated at 10:36

Bogus callers alert over rates refunds

Land & Property Services, the agency responsible for collecting rates, is urging householders to be on their guard against bogus callers.

It comes after two incidents when callers tried to obtain bank details from householders on the pretext that they were due a refund on their rates.

The incidents happened in the Belfast and Lisburn areas in recent days.

The agency stressed that ratepayers should not give bank details to anyone who contacted them about refunds.

In a statement, it said: "At times, LPS may contact ratepayers either by phone or in person to discuss outstanding rates or to seek further information about a rate account.

"When LPS staff phone you, they will always confirm security information in relation to your rate account with you. "

The agency said on occasion it was necessary for its staff to call at customers' doors but they would carry identification, including their name and photograph.

"Householders should take care to examine the ID of persons calling at their door," said LPS.

"If in doubt, telephone the LPS helpline on 0300 200 7801 where staff will be able to confirm if the person is genuine."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-19488608

General All Areas

Distraction Burglaries

Three persons were responsible for an attempted distraction burglary at approximately 4:40pm in Hillsborough yesterday afternoon.

Two males in their mid-late 20s called at the home of an elderly female saying they were from NIE and they wanted to check a telegraph pole in the rear garden. A third male, wearing grey trousers and a blue top with dark hairwas standing in the street waiting for them.

They were believed to be using a black Audi with silver roof rails. No registration identified as yet.

A similar incident occurred in the Newtownards area around lunchtime also involving 3 males.

On Thursday 23 August 3 around 530pm males also claimed to be heating engineers in order to gain access to a property in the Lawnmount Crescent area of Lisburn.

Please make elderly neighbours / relatives aware of bogus callers operating in the area. Any legitimate callers will have correct identification and will allow time for checks to be carried out.

Please report any suspicious callers to police and if possible note details of any vehicles and registration.