House burglaries, cold callers and telephone scammers have been persistent problems around Northern Ireland in recent months.
Yesterday, police say cold callers were reported to be operating in the Ballymoney area, allegedly attempting to sell knives.
A concerning trend, police say, is the targeting of the more vulnerable in the community. And they’re reminding people that if it seems too good to be true it probably is.
Be aware if you are contacted out of the blue, asked for personal details or money.
“If you have elderly family, friends or neighbours, please keep an eye out for them and have a chat with them about phone and online scams,” said a police spokesperson.
If you’re concerned about burglaries, there are a number of security measures you can take to protect your home:
- CCTV: You can get some good cameras online which connect to your Wi-Fi, with motion detection that won’t break the bank. These can usually be viewed remotely.
- Door/window alarms: these let out a high pitched alarm if the connection is broken by the opening of a door or window.
- Motion activated lighting: this can not only scare off would-be burglars but catch your neighbour’s attention should they illuminate.
- Timer switches: these give the impression that someone is at home. A burglar is less likely to try to enter a property when someone is at home.
- High fencing/hedges.
“You work hard for your money and possessions. Don’t make it easy for someone to make off with them. If you witness anything suspicious, as a potential victim or bystander, please contact police on 101/999,” said the spokesperson.
And if you do not know the person at your door please don’t let them in. Please call 101 and report any suspicious behaviour.