Distraction Burglaries on the up!

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Wandsworth Police warn residents to be vigilant.....

Wandsworth police are advising the public to be aware of distraction burglaries, after a reported 7 offences since 26 April 2006.

Wandsworth Burglary intelligence desk has researched the incidents and revealed that the burglars tend to pose as waterboard officials to gain entrance into homes. Their main targets are money, jewellery, credit card, pension books and other valuables left lying around.

29% of the reported offences are on repeat venues - where the suspects has already had success in entering the premises and they always operate between 1215-1715 hours, with the majority of burglaries occurring on Wednesdays or Fridays. They are not targeting specific areas of the borough.

Suspects are being described as two men, white, aged between 32-45 yrs and possibly have foreign accents and drive a white van.

Detective Superintendent Guy Ferguson, said: “ Our burglary and safer neighbourhood teams are working hard to track down suspects and helping educate the public what to look out for. If you are concerned by unwanted calls at your door, shut the door on them and call the police.”

Prevention Advice

· Don’t open the door to unexpected callers
· Always ask for identification and ring the company if concerned
· Call Crime Prevention Officers at Wandsworth for security advice on 020 8870 9011.
· Always call 999 in emergency
· Do not keep large sums of cash in the house
· Do not agree to any work being done until you have talked to someone else. Do not be persuaded to go to the bank and draw out cash for payment for any services.
· Make an appointment for when you have company. Don’t let them know you are alone.
· If they say they are doing work in the local area, ask them where and who for? If their vehicle is in sight, take down the details. Do not let them intimidate you - shut the door!


May 8, 2006