Residents urged to use checklist to make sure they only let genuine staff into their property
A gang of three men, posing as official maintenance staff, may have targeted several residents in the Tottenham and Wood Green area this week. There has been at least one robbery – possibly more – and police are investigating.
The men claim to be there to fix a leaking sink and are carrying name badges. While two distract the resident – often targeted because they are elderly or vulnerable – the other steals jewellery and money from other rooms.
Residents are now being urged to be extra vigilant and to check before letting anyone in.
Homes for Haringey is publicising this widely and has set out a list of simple questions and checks to correctly identify genuine staff, but if in doubt call us on 020 8489 5611 or if you are suspicious call the police on 999.
Carry out as many of the below checks as you need to feel confident that the caller is genuine. This is to help you but if you are in any doubt, do not let the caller in.
NOTE: The below is for all works EXCEPT gas repairs and servicing, which will NOT be a Homes for Haringey employee, but will be from PH Jones or Purdy. In this case, you will have been contacted prior to the appointment which you will have arranged for a specific job – check all these details with the contractor before letting them in.
| YOU ASK….
|
THEY REPLY… |
| Have they got the job number?
(This is given to you when the job is booked and can be used as a “password”) |
Yes – provides it and it matches yours – continue with the checks here |
| No – Don’t let him in | |
| Did they ring in advance?
(We are ensuring we now always ring before knocking on your door for an appointment) |
Yes – and he can confirm the conversation – continue with the checks here |
| No – don’t let him in without calling us to check their ID | |
| Is their appearance right? | Yes – He is wearing work boots (not trainers) and a blue top with Homes for Haringey logo embroidered onto the left breast as below then continue with the checks here: |
| No – he is not wearing ALL the above – Don’t let them in without calling us to check their ID | |
| Have you reported a repair, do you have an appointment?
(We rarely come to your door without an appointment unless there are ongoing works in your block that you will be aware of) |
Yes – continue with the checks here |
| No – Don’t let them in without calling us to check their ID | |
| Do they have an ID badge that looks like this?
|
Yes – continue with the checks here, we have reports of a name badge being used by the gang |
| Yes, but it is not quite the same – Don’t let them in | |
| No – Don’t let them in | |
| Is there a Homes for Haringey or Move51 van parked nearby and can they prove it is theirs by unlocking it?
(The lights on the van should flash when he presses the key fob) |
Yes – continue with checks here |
| No – Don’t let them in without calling us to check their ID |
Homes for Haringey is working closely with the police to address this issue, and advice is being circulated to residents directly.