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Water companies across the UK are stepping up efforts to tackle bogus caller crime by launching a nationwide awareness campaign. More than half of bogus caller crimes committed in the UK are carried out by criminals pretending to be from a water company. Statistics show that around 35 bogus caller crimes are committed every day, but this might only be 10% of the total that actually take place because victims are often too embarrassed to come forward.
The national campaign, supported by the Home Office, the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), Water UK and the Consumer Council for Water (CCWater), aims to raise national awareness among all age groups to help prevent this distressing crime. All groups will use the new strapline: Knock Knock! Who’s There? Be Stranger Aware!
Pamela Taylor, Chief Executive, Water UK, said:
"It is a great concern in the water industry that more than 50 per cent of bogus caller crime is committed by people who pretend to be from a water company. The national awareness campaign and our partnerships with the Home Office, ACPO and CCWater show how seriously the companies are tackling this terrible crime, which can devastate someone’s life in minutes. Some victims never recover – particularly if they’ve lost treasured possessions.
"If you’re unsure about the identity of a person claiming to be from a water company, don’t let them into your home. Customers can call their water company to confirm the caller’s identity and genuine employees won’t mind waiting while these checks are carried out. Password schemes can give customers further protection and peace of mind – anyone needing to gain access into a customer’s home will know and use the password."
Dame Yve Buckland, National Chair of water industry watchdog the Consumer Council for Water said, said: "People need to understand that they are entirely within their rights to turn a visitor away if they feel uncomfortable, or unhappy with the information presented. No water company will insist on entry to your home."
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