Spencer Pitfield, Parliamentary Candidate for Penistone & Stocksbridge, has recently sent hundreds of letters to local people warning them of the dangers of bogus doorstep callers.
 
These letters, which were sent out after Christmas, also include an anti-crime sticker which can be put up at the door to warn-off problem callers.

Spencer said: "You should always be careful when answering your door to someone you don’t recognise. Sometimes strangers will come to your door for a legitimate reason. However, on rare occasions, people can come with criminal intentions, with the sole aim of getting inside your home".
 
"They may tell you that your house needs to be repaired, that you need to improve your home security, offer to tarmac your driveway, cut your trees, or even that they are from the Council and need to check something inside your property. These people can be male, female, old or young, and may come individually, as a couple, or in a group".

Spencer has offered some simple tips to help avoid being a victim of doorstep crime: 

• Fix a security chain to your door and use it whenever anyone comes to the door.
• If you feel unsure about the caller – don’t answer the door.
• If you feel unsure after speaking to the person at the door – say "no thanks", and close it.
• Find out the name and address of the company that the person at the door works for – if you are concerned about any of the details that they provide, ask them to wait outside, and close the door while you call the company.
• Always look the number up in the phone book – never use a number the person provides you with.
• Don't be pressured by a sales pitch - you don't have to take the deal.
• Do not agree to any work on your property - inform the person that you will ask a family member or neighbour’s opinion first.
• Always get a receipt with all the company details on it.
 
Spencer continued: "Local Conservatives continue to work hard to reduce crime levels in our area. Please do report all crimes to the police - however small. You can do this by calling the Police on non-emergency 0114 2964912 or emergency 999 ".
 
"You can also report local crimes in confidence by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers can also be located at www.crimestoppers-uk.org".