Did I do the right thing? (Lied to the police)

Pixiechic

I don't know about the police and practices but I think that you did the right thing by not giving any information over the phone to anyone that you were unsure of.

I would have contacted the station though to enquire about it.

cazziebo

Our police operate like this. They have calling cards and often scribble out the contact details and put their name and mobile number in. Usually there's been a break in in the area or someone has keyed a car in a neighbouring street.

If it was that important they would have checked electoral roll etc to check if you had been there four years or two, and then come back to you.

As for the call - that would most likely have been a call handler, not a police officer. They work to a script, and according to one of our local cops, get minimal training, and are given minimal information about any investigations.

What I find bizarre in my dealings with the police is before they say anything, they need to know my name, date of birth, marital status and occupation. I was even asked this when I had locked myself out of a car. I asked why and they said it's "for statistics". This is probably what the call -handler was doing.

SavingPennies_2

19lottie82 wrote: »

What's unprofessional about it? Leaving a calling card, and trying to establish a few details before making an appointment for a further discussion?

Sounds normal to me.

Print off from a webpage not formal letterhead of card. Not in an envelope for privacy (issue could be related to domestic abuse or a child living in the house). Person on the phone asking personal questions about the OP. What right has a faceless person on the end of a phone line got to ask about the OPs life, employement, living arrangements? Asking to come to her house to show her "something". I think its odd, maybe Im too paranoid.

If it was me I would have ignored the original letter and contacted the local police seperately to discuss the matter (assuming it was real).

Guest101

19lottie82 wrote: »

The card had a name on it. The OP googled this name and confirmed that it was an officer.

Maybe the OP did call the police station. Could have been a direct dial number (extension) hence why it didn't show up as the main police station number.

I've had a card left by the police before and the situation sounds very similar to that of the OP's. Nothing sounds particularly suspicious. I've never heard of a Neighbourhood Policing Team in my area.

Read a few news artcicles and you'd have a name for a police officer too. Then pick a random number and your done. Don't you think the police are aware of this kind of scam? Promoting it doesnt help!

Check local shops/school/ask at the police station. If your constabulary has PCSO's you'll have a neighbourhood policing team

Guest101

cazziebo wrote: »

Our police operate like this. They have calling cards and often scribble out the contact details and put their name and mobile number in. Usually there's been a break in in the area or someone has keyed a car in a neighbouring street.

If it was that important they would have checked electoral roll etc to check if you had been there four years or two, and then come back to you.

As for the call - that would most likely have been a call handler, not a police officer. They work to a script, and according to one of our local cops, get minimal training, and are given minimal information about any investigations.

What I find bizarre in my dealings with the police is before they say anything, they need to know my name, date of birth, marital status and occupation. I was even asked this when I had locked myself out of a car. I asked why and they said it's "for statistics". This is probably what the call -handler was doing.

No its not for statistics. People are so gullible. Its so they can run a PNC check on you. Just refuse to give them.

They dont NEED to know anywathing, they WANT to know. Really need to learn their powers.

SavingPennies_2

Think of it this way they asked the OP how old are you? what is your employement? who do you live with...?

Imagine the answers:

Single woman, teacher, aged 25 at work 9-5, or 46 male ex army now works from home, wife and a teenage kid at home plus the doberman.

Whose house is top of the list for a break in...?

Regardless or genuine or not, I wouldnt want to tell anyone my personal details without a good reason for it!

19lottie82

Guest101 wrote: »

Read a few news artcicles and you'd have a name for a police officer too. Then pick a random number and your done. Don't you think the police are aware of this kind of scam? Promoting it doesnt help!

Again...... I'm not saying it definitely isn't some sort of scam and I'm not saying it definitely was the police. What I am saying is, based on my own similar experiences, it sounds perfectly plausible that it could be the police.

But of course, if anyone has a trace of doubt about anything like this, it would be perfectly sensible to make some further enquiries.

pollypenny

newcook wrote: »

Next time you are out and about pop into your police station and explain to them what happened – if it’s a scam they will be able to deal with it (and also be able to warn other local residents to be on their guard).

?’

'Local police station'. You'd be lucky to have one!

Good advice to contact the police, though. It could well be a scam.

newcook

pollypenny wrote: »

'Local police station'. You'd be lucky to have one!

Good advice to contact the police, though. It could well be a scam.

We've got quite a few throughout birmingham - though I think its only the main ones that are open 24 hours (the one nearest me closes at about 8pm)

DaisyMaee

cazziebo wrote: »

Our police operate like this. They have calling cards and often scribble out the contact details and put their name and mobile number in. Usually there's been a break in in the area or someone has keyed a car in a neighbouring street.

If it was that important they would have checked electoral roll etc to check if you had been there four years or two, and then come back to you.

As for the call - that would most likely have been a call handler, not a police officer. They work to a script, and according to one of our local cops, get minimal training, and are given minimal information about any investigations.

What I find bizarre in my dealings with the police is before they say anything, they need to know my name, date of birth, marital status and occupation. I was even asked this when I had locked myself out of a car. I asked why and they said it's "for statistics". This is probably what the call -handler was doing.

They didn't ask me my date of birth - just my age.. if they had I don't think I'd have given that info away on the phone, they were lucky that I awnsered the questions that they did ask as I had no way of knowing if it was genuinely the police. I spoke directly to the detective (they said Hello, DC then their name when they awnsered the phone). Still not quite sure what to do as don't want to re open a case that could be closed and don't want to look like I feel guilty or anything so I think I might just leave it.

They've more than likely checked the electoral records by now so if it was real police they'd have been back and asked why I lied by now surely?! Does anyone know how long it takes for them to check the electoral records?