SAFETY - Distraction Burglaries
What is a Distraction Burglary?
This offence is a particularly nasty and unpleasant one as it is usually targeted at the elderly and the vulnerable. Criminals posing as genuine officials trick their way into a house and while one keeps the occupant busy, the other ransacks the bedroom or living room looking for valuables or cash.
The offenders often claim to be from the Water or Electricity companies and claim that there is a major problem in the area and they need to test the supply to the property. Once inside the occupant is asked to go to the kitchen and turn on the taps and stay there to watch the water pressure, or something equally spurious, while the criminals check drawers and cupboards in other rooms for things to steal. Sometimes they use a simpler ruse and ask to use the toilet, telephone or for a drink of water. Once they are inside they ensure the front door isn't closed properly and while the elderly occupants is with them in the kitchen, the thieves accomplice slips in and quietly goes to work.
If in doubt..........Keep them out.
Preventing a Distraction Burglary
NEVER let anyone into your house until you are satisfied that they are genuine. Most genuine companies will write or call to let you know of routine work and all their employees will carry identification, which they will be happy to show you if there call is a real emergency.
Keep the telephone numbers of all your utility services near the phone, so you can call the head office and check if the work is genuine. It's also a good idea to keep the number of the Police handy too. Never use a number given to you by the caller. It could be as fake as he is. If you aren't sure then don't let them in.
They will understand as all the utility companies are trying very hard to combat this sort of offence and want householders to be vigilant and suspicious. In a genuine emergency utility employees often call the Police so when they do knock on your door there is a uniformed Police officer with them, and if they are genuine there should be a marked van parked outside your house with the utility company logo on the side.
If you have an elderly relative or neighbour, try to convince them to put any large amounts of cash in a Bank. This can be difficult as many older people prefer to keep money in the house, which makes them a good target for criminals.
Fit a chain to the front door, and get into the habit of using it. Don't remove it unless you are 100% happy that your caller is genuine. If you do let someone in, for whatever reason, make sure the front door is securely shut behind them.
Finally, if you get a caller who won't take no for an answer and keeps trying to get you to let them in, call "999" straight away, and tell the Police emergency operator you have a bogus caller at your door.
Sources of Information
For more advice on protecting yourself against bogus caller and distraction burglars, then have a look at:
You can also check any of the dozens of Police and Council web sites which will come up if you put "caller or distraction burglary" into any search engine.
For residents of central Bedfordshire, the following numbers may be useful and are reproduced in the "quick reference guide". Print a copy off and put it on the fridge door:
- Police Emergency: 999
- Bedfordshire Police non-emergency: 01234 841212
- BT: 0800 321 999
- Water: 08457 145 145
- Siemens, (Meter readings): 0800 015 2221
- Accuread (Meter readings): 0800 393 499
Finally, always remember, the Police will never think you are wasting their time if you call because you are suspicious of a caller at your door.