Slamming the door on distraction burglars

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Wandsworth Police sees preventing distraction burglary and stopping those that commit it as a priority.�.

Intelligence has revealed that distraction burglars usually target vulnerable members of the community and ‘con’ their way into your home posing as police, council workers, home help, water, gas or electrical officials. Their main target being money, jewellery, credit cards or pension books left lying around.

Over the past six months there have been 50 reports of artifice burglaries, with 21 posing as water officials, 10 as health visitors, 6 as police officers, 3 as gas officials, 3 as council representatives, 1 as a builder and 6 undefined.

Superintendent Guy Ferguson said:
“It’s an awful crime, perpetrated by men and women who target vulnerable members of our community. They trick their way into homes and rid people of valuable possessions. We are working with the council, Age Concern and the elderly to prevent further incidents.”

The Lock...Stop...Chain...Check message educates the elderly on how to deal with people that knock on your door. Before you answer, think if you are expecting anyone. Check that any back door is closed and locked and take the key out. Look through the spy-hole or the window to see who it is. Don’t take the chain off or leave the door open if you go to another room.

What can you do?
• Do not answer the door to unrecognised callers.
• Don’t leave large amounts of cash/personal items in sight.
• IF IN DOUBT KEEP THEM OUT. Official organisations will have your details and carry an identity card.
• Make an appointment for when you have company. Don’t let them know you are alone.
• Refuse people offering to do repairs including those selling you products.
• 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!
• One prevention tactic is to create a sign that the potential victims could hold up to the door / window with a trusted neighbour’s name and address written on it that the anon caller should visit first so that they can proof them.
• Report all suspicious callers for intelligence purposes on locations / times / descriptions.
• 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.

December 8, 2005