News
Elderly Warned about Criminals Posing as Digital Switch Over Officials
| Posted on June 22, 2011 at 4:11 AM |
SOLIHULL Police are warning elderly members of the community and their families about the risk of falling prey to opportunist thieves claiming to be from the Digital Switchover Help Scheme.
The digital switchover takes place in the West Midlands from September 2011 and the Digital Switchover Help Scheme has been created to help eligible older and disabled people switch one of their TV sets to digital.
Police have traditionally received reports about offenders gaining access to homes by posing as ‘water board’ or ‘gas officials’, however, there are now concerns about criminals claiming to be Digital Switchover officials.
Inspector Dave Rischmiller from Solihull police said: "We are fortunate across Solihull that this type of burglary is a rare occurrence, however, I have no doubt that some criminals may well take advantage of the opportunities the digital switchover presents.”
“I advise all householders, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, to be extra vigilant and to take all the usual precautions in making sure that anyone they let in to their homes are legitimate and official.”
The majority of people taking advantage of the scheme are asked to pay £40 towards the standard option of help the scheme provides, but they will never be expected to pay on the doorstep.
The following information and advice can help you avoid becoming a victim to bogus digital switchover officials:
· Every eligible person to the scheme will receive a letter from the Digital Switchover Help Scheme in the run up to the switchover.
· You will not receive a visit from any representative from the Digital Switchover Help Scheme unless you have responded to the help scheme letter or contacted the helpline.
· The Digital Switchover Help Scheme will send you a letter to confirm the date they will attend your home. If you therefore receive an unexpected visit from anyone claiming to be a switchover representative, please do not let them in.
· The help scheme offers a password system so you do not need to let anyone in to your home without them telling you the password you agreed.
· All switchover representatives carry identification. Please do not be afraid to ask to see this. If they refuse or claim not to have it, ask them to come back with the correct ID.
· You can verify if the caller at your door is official by telephoning the Digital Switchover Help Scheme on 0800 40 85 900.
· If you are at all suspicious please close your door and call Solihull Police on 0345 113 5000.
If you have any concerns about someone acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood please contact Solihull Police on 0345 113 5000.
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