North West police advise keeping front doors closed

If homeowners are unsure about who is calling when their doorbell rings, they should keep their front doors closed, North West police have advised.

Greater Manchester Police is urging vulnerable and elderly homeowners to take such precautions if they are worried about people posing as cold callers but really looking for a way to break into a home.

The recommendations come as part of a nationwide campaign sponsored by Energy Retail Association and warns of potential thieves who will visit a property, with one member of the team posing as a professional, such as a sales person, while the other looks for unsecured windows or exterior doors where they could sneak in while the resident is occupied.

Police are offering one simple message as part of the scheme: "Not sure? Don't open the door."

Assistant chief constable Ian Seabridge said: "This campaign urges potential victims to think twice before opening the door and if they have any fears to keep the door locked and refer the caller to a trusted neighbour or to phone a family member or friend."

He added that distraction burglary was despicable as it targets the most vulnerable members of a community.

Britons who wish to take steps to make their homes more secure may wish to visit Cheshiredouble glazing supplier Force 8.

The retailer stocks a wide range of GRP composite doors which have been tested to ensure they will stand up to a burglar and which also boast a five-point locking system.

Force 8 the North West's leading window and door installer.

Written by Alison Goldman