| Distraction Burglary |
Make life difficult for the distraction burglar...!
Read on to find out the Community Safety Team's top-tips to combat distraction burglary...
Some burglars can try to trick their way in to your homes stating that they are from the water, gas, electricity company or the local council.
A caller advising you that they are "from the water board" is popular ruse. Callers may also ask for a glass of water, request to wash their hands or claim to have lost a pet. Distraction burglars will try to use any story they can to get in to a property.
Distraction burglary can be undertaken by young or old people (even children), male or female, and those undertaking it can work alone or in teams, often targeting the elderly.
The following tips will help strengthen your defences against the distraction burglar, and help you to feel more secure in your home. |
STOP! Are you expecting anyone? Do they have an appointment? Make sure your windows and doors are locked - some thieves can work in pairs, with one sneaking in the back door while you're talking at the front. If you don't want to talk now, ask them to make an appointment to come back later when someone else is around. Genuine callers won't mind. If in doubt, keep them out, particularly if you're on your own.
CHAIN! Put the door bar or chain on before you open the door. If you're uncomfortable leaning around the door to speak while a chain or bar is on, fix a small mirror by the door, and talk into it. If you are uncomfortable speaking with doorstep callers altogether - ask a neighbour you trust to speak with them on your behalf (this is called 'nominating a neighbour', and can be a standing agreement between you and a trusted resident of your area).
CHECK! Always ask for an ID card, and check it carefully. Close the door and check using a phone number from the phone book or a relevant bill, not the one on the card. Telephone Severn Trent Water on 0800 783 4444, Anglian Water on 08457 145 145, or Thames Water on 0845 9200 800 to check you caller is genuine (if your supplier isn't one of those listed, look for a number on a recent bill, or in the phone book).
REMEMBER! Water BOARDS no longer exist! If callers mention the word 'BOARD' - Warwickshire Police's advice is to dial 999. |
If you are suspicious, report the incident to Warwickshire Police. You may help prevent a crime, or stop a burglar in their tracks.
For further information, please contact your local Police Crime Prevention Officer. |