Warning Over Fake Fire Officials

Dorset Police are investigating claims that a couple of men, dressed in white shirts and black trousers, have been knocking on doors in the Rossmore area of Bournemouth, offering a home safety check.

Group Manager Craig Baker from Dorset Fire and Rescue said:

"I am upset to hear that some people may be using the good name of Dorset Fire and Rescue Service to enter people's homes.

"We do conduct a free service offering Home Safety Checks, in high risk areas.

"I would like to make it very clear that all of our firefighters, community safety officers and volunteers will always be dressed in our uniform which clearly displays our name; they will also carry formal service identification.

"Our teams would have also made a prior appointment before carrying out a home safety check.

"I would encourage any one who has any doubts about the authenticity of people who state that they would like to carry out a home safety check, to please ask for identification.

"We would be happy for residents to call fire control on 01305 252040 to check this information."

Community Safety Task Team Manager, Dave Myers said:

"Although we will always make contact before knocking on someone's door for a Home Safety Visit, either by telephone, or by dropping a calling card, any DFRS staff will ALWAYS produce an ID card on arrival, and we encourage householders to confirm our identity before allowing us to enter by checking the name on the ID card,  getting the number for DFRS from the phone book (not the person on the doorstep) and DFRS will confirm the identity of the person visiting. "