Tips to prevent doorstep crime from Stroud Neighbourhood Policing Team's PC Gary Lynch

A member of the Stroud Neighbourhood Policing Team, PC Lynch is the officer for the areas of Whiteshill, Paganhill, Farmhill, Cainscross Road.

Pc Lynch advises that if you are ever in doubt, to please keep them out, first and foremost.

"Before you open the door and let someone into your home, please make sure you know who they are and what they are there for," he advises.

"Genuine callers will be there by appointment: happy and willing to identify themselves and will wait outside while you make the appropriate checks," he emphasizes.

If in doubt, phone the company they purport to be from - using a google search or your phone directory - and ask to confirm their identity.

PC Lynch also advises to register a password with your utility providers so that any unplanned visitors from these companies can quote this password to you upon arrival.

He also suggests that if you are home alone, consider having a friend or neighbour with you during scheduled appointments.

Keep doors locked and ground floor windows secured to prevent distraction burglars who often work in groups. When a resident answers the front door, it is known that a group member of these burglars have known to sneak through a back door or open window.

"Please use a door chain when answering the door and refuse entry to strangers, no matter how persistent they are," he stresses.

"Please keep all jewellery in a safe or strong box and please don't keep large amounts of cash at home, put it in the bank," he adds.

This is all useful information to help keep residents safe, secure and confident.

For more information, click here

If you need to report something, please call 101 or go online

Always call 999 in an emergency.

Email Gary direct: gary.lynch@gloucestershire.police.uk

Non urgent telephone messages via 01452 753560 or 07718708125

The Police are unable to accept reports of crime through Your Neighbourhood Alerts.