Bogus Callers

Kent Fire and Rescue Service is issuing advice following a number of reports of bogus callers trying to enter homes under the guise of fire safety checks.

They follow a number of recent fires in the Medway area and callers are using these incidents as an excuse to randomly phone people to discuss fire safety.

In conjunction with Kent Police, KFRS is keen to advise the public that firefighters do not randomly telephone residents. They will, however, knock on people's doors to offer the checks.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service's Partnership Manager DO Martin Adams said: "If a member of the public gets a knock on the door from someone offering a home fire safety check, a bone fide firefighter will be in uniform with a badged up fire vehicle somewhere nearby. They will also carry identification.
 
"It is also important to remember that Kent Fire and Rescue Service is offering the home fire safety check service free of charge – there is no cost attached to the supply of advice or the provision/fitting of a smoke alarm. We are not selling any goods or services and if occupiers are suspicious about the motives of an individual who claims to be from KFRS, they should call Kent Police.”

A Kent Police spokesperson said: "Medway police would like to emphasise that if anyone receives a call from someone claiming to be carrying out fire checks, do not give them your address, hang up the phone, dial 1471 to try and find the phone number of the bogus caller and then contact the police to report the incident."
 
If you have concerns or wish to request a free home fire safety check, please contact the Home Fire Safety Check (HFSC) Team on freephone number 0800 923 7000.