The Government is encouraging residents to be ‘scam savvy’ and take note of specials websites set up with advice and information, including takefive-stopfraud.org.uk<\/a> for online scams.<\/p>\n Dorset Police says the crimes fall into two categories:<\/p>\n Distraction burglars<\/strong> will attempt to use convincing stories to manipulate their way into someone’s home. They may claim to be from a reputable authority such as the police or the council, be a representative from a utility company or even be a neighbour looking for a lost ball. Once inside the property, they will steal goods themselves, or distract the homeowner while an unseen accomplice takes items of value.<\/p>\n Rogue traders<\/strong> will approach a property and offer services such as gardening work, gutter clearing, window cleaning or other house maintenance. They may claim that this work is necessary for their own safety, or that a local council has authorised the work. They carry out unnecessary or overpriced work, at a cost often higher than originally quoted.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/verwoodtoday.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/a4-poster-doorstep-crime-poster.jpg\")
<\/p>\n