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 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.

Shop safe online

The internet is an easy and convenient place to buy almost anything, but if someone gets hold of your credit or debit card details, it can also put you at risk of being a victim of fraud.

Don't be a victim of online credit card fraud

APACS (the Association for Payment Clearing Services) has developed some advice to help you 'shop safe online'.

Visa and MasterCard can add an extra layer of security

Action Fraud

Action Fraud is the place to go if you think you've been a victim of fraud.

Call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Action Fraud

Action Fraud can provide anti-fraud guidance and is the first point of contact for individuals and small businesses reporting fraud.

If you have information about fraudsters themselves, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously. Victims of fraud should contact Action Fraud directly. Note that this route is not anonymous.

Read more about Action Fraud.