Police urge community to be vigilant against door to door scammers

Police are urging the community to be vigilant against door to door scammers following reports of individuals conducting scams in the North Canberra area.

Several incidents have recently been reported to police with the format of the scams varying in nature. This can include offering services such as painting house numbers on driveways, or general house and garden maintenance.

In December, police were called to a residence in Dickson after a male was reported to be harassing the resident. The male had painted numbers on the driveway without discussing or gaining the permission of the occupant and was refusing to leave the property without payment.

Officer in Charge of City Police Station, Sergeant Jason Kennedy stressed the importance of being vigilant and also warning vulnerable members of the community.

“If a person attends your house unexpectedly offering services such as painting or garden maintenance be clear you are not interested in their service and ask them to leave your property, or contact police on 131 444.  Do not let the person inside your house.”

“I urge everyone to warn their neighbours, family and friends to be vigilant and to know what to look for. We are a community and we need to look out for one another and report suspicious activity to police.” Station Sergeant Kennedy said.

Information on how to identify scams and protect your self is available at www.scamwatch.gov.au.

Anyone who sees suspicious activity in their neighbourhood is urged to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.

If you are a victim of one of these scams or require police attendance call 131 444, or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.