Crime prevention

Crimestoppers crime prevention advice section

Crime prevention

You can follow some simple tips to prevent yourself from being a victim of crime.

We've put together the advice in this section with the help of a number of partners, including the Home Office, APACS and the Office of Fair Trading.

Distraction burglary

Distraction burglary is any crime where a falsehood, trick or distraction is used to gain access to a property to commit burglary.

Distraction burglary

If you're not sure who is at your door, don't open it.

Check the identity of the caller by phoning the company they are purporting to be from by using the telephone numbers listed in your local directory.

Telephone a neighbour or friend nearby to come along and check out the caller before you open the door. Some areas have a "nominated neighbour scheme".

Read more distraction burglary crime prevention advice.

Fighting Fraud

Fraud is when a person or organisation uses deception to cause harm, often financial, to another.

Fighting Fraud

We have a whole section of our website dedicated to fighting fraud.

Fighting Fraud contains information on types of fraud, how you can help prevent yourself becoming a victim of fraud and what to do if you have information about those behind frauds.


Preventing business fraud

Fraud can be one of your biggest worries when you run a business.

How to protect your business fraud

Identity theft and fraud

Identity theft is when somebody steals your name and other personal information to commit fraud.

In cases of identity theft, your financial information is often stolen and transactions and purchases are made in your name.

How to protect yourself from identity fraud


Support for fraud victims

If you’ve been scammed, conned or ripped off there is something you can do about it. Find out what support is available for you.

Support for fraud victims - what you need to know