Police in warning over bogus census callers

POLICE in West Yorkshire are warning people to be on their guard against bogus census callers.

They are reminding residents to check for identification if officials visit homes in the region as part of the forthcoming 2011 census.

The actual census day is Sunday, March 27. However, between March and mid-August, census staff will be taking to the streets to offer assistance and also to collect unreturned questionnaires from households. Every home in West Yorkshire will have to complete a census form.

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Members of the public should remember that residents who return their completed questionnaires promptly, before April 6, will not be visited by the census staff.

In addition, all census staff will carry an ID card with photo, logo and hologram and should automatically show their ID and explain who they are.

They may ask for name and number of residents, but they will not ask for specific details such as bank account and credit card details.

Census staff should also never enter the household unless they are invited and they may also need to make several visits to the same address to ensure a questionnaire is returned.

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West Yorkshire Police are encouraging residents to be alert when dealing with callers at the door.

Force crime reduction officer Chris Joyce said: “It is a sad fact of life that some people will impersonate others to commit a criminal offence, so it is extremely important that members of the public remember to satisfy themselves that callers at their home are genuine and who they say they are.

“Most callers at your door will be genuine, but it is vital that you thoroughly check their identity before giving them any personal details or allowing them access to your property.”

For more information about the census process call the census helpline on 0300 0201 101 or visit www.census.gov.uk