Locals urged to take precautionary steps against con artists this festive season

Criminals ramp up their efforts to gain from opportunities presented by the festive season.

Posing as customers is an old trick and small businesses are especially vulnerable.

In the suburbs, residents also contend with imposters.

This tactic is not a new trend, but criminals find more innovative ways to access a property.

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They often pose as council workers, asking to check a meter box.

Residents are warned that criminals watch homes to study routines and they know when domestic staff are alone on the property.

This is a chance for them to pose as delivery service or maintenance workers to convince domestic workers to open the gates.

Community members are reminded not to open their gates to strangers.

Perimeter protection is your first line of defence, but if someone breaches it by opening the gate, things can go wrong.

Follow these five rules if a stranger is at the gate:

ALSO READ: Five rules to follow when a stranger is outside your property

• Ask who they are and what they want.

• If you were not expecting them, don’t let them in.

• If they say the employer appointed them to fix something, the domestic worker must phone the employer immediately.

• If you don’t have an intercom system, talk to them through a window from the safety of a locked house.

• Always keep a remote panic with you, and do not hesitate to press it to alert your security service provider if you see anything or anyone suspicious. This is especially important for domestic staff.

• Information: Fidelity ADT.