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Angela Rippon & Jenny Ryan

TV Presenter and Quizzer, Jenny Ryan, best known as 'The Vixen' on ITV1's The Chase, has recently been victim to a shocking crime.

While having building work done to her flat, a workman who claimed to be from building management arrived to take photographs of a leak. After being let in, Jenny later realised she'd been robbed. The conman stole items of jewellery as well as her phone, resulting in loses of hundreds of pounds. Jenny joined us in Studio to recall her ordeal alongside Angela Rippon who gave useful advice on keeping safe from criminals.

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HOW CAN PEOPLE BE PROACTIVE TO PROTECT THEMSELVES?

Angela's Tips:

  • Don't answer the door to anyone you're not expecting. It's reasonable to be suspicious of anyone who shows up uninvited. Politely tell the visitor that you're not interested or that it's not a convenient time. Don't be embarrassed, you are not being rude, you are within your rights to question anyone unknown.
  • If you do need to answer the door, look for ID. You are within your rights to call the company the person is claiming to be from to see if they are genuine. If they are, they won't mind waiting while you do this.
  • Set up a utilities password. This is something you can do with your gas and electricity provider so you can be sure people who turn up are genuine as they will be the only ones who will know this password.
  • Nominate a neighbour. If you have someone trusted who lives close by, ask if they'd mind being on standby in case anyone suspicious calls. If you don't know anyone nearby, contact your local Neighbourhood Watch Scheme or Safer Neighbourhood Team to find out if they can help.
  • Consider installing a smart security device such as a doorbell or camera. This will allow you to speak to a caller without opening the door.

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WHAT CAN PEOPLE DO IF THEY FIND THEMSELVES IN A SITUATION LIKE JENNY'S?

  • If you think you're in danger, do not hesitate to call 999 to speak to the police in an emergency. You can also use 101 to report an incident if you're not under threat. Make sure you get a crime reference number.
  • If your mobile phone has been stolen, get someone you know to call your mobile phone company to ask them to lock down your phone
  • Report the incident to Action Fraud, the UK's National Fraud reporting centre. You can call them on 0300 123 2040 or to visit their website
  • Report dodgy salespeople to Citizens Advice (CA) (who can pass complaints to your local Trading Standards authority) if you believe they have sold you faulty, inferior or overpriced products or services. Call the CA Consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or visit their website