A number of incidents have been reported to police of offenders calling uninvited at houses before telling the residents they need to change to digital immediately or risk losing their television signal.
Western Area crime reduction adviser Dave O
wens is targeting the problem.
"This is a new method being used to gain entry into people's houses and while, in some cases, work is carried out, the thieves either charge over the odds for this work or help themselves to cash and property," he said.
"The switch over to digital is coming, but Digital UK, the company responsible for informing people about the changes, has stated that the Granada and Welsh TV areas will not move into digital until the end of 2009.
"This means there is no immediate need to change your television or purchase other equipment designed to receive the digital signal.
"There is plenty of time to look at what equipment you will need and this can often just be a case of a relatively cheap digital receiver which can be bought from most supermarkets and other retailers."
He added: "If you have someone call at your home, consider if you really need the service they are offering.
"Where applicable, check all identification and take the time to ensure this is legitimate. If the callers are genuine they will not mind waiting while you make these checks.
"If you are still unsure contact the company they claim to be representing or ring Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000. This should be done before you allow any cold callers into your house."
For more information about deterring uninvited callers and how to protect yourself and your home from distraction-type burglars, ring Cheshire Constabulary on 0845 458 0000 and ask to speak to a crime reduction adviser.
The full article contains 330 words and appears in Evening Leader Chester newspaper.
