Police Warning Over Distraction Burglaries

Be alert to unexpected callers posing as officials

 
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Ealing Police say that distraction burglaries have decreased from 64 offences in 2009 to 53 last year but everyone must remain vigilant.

Must victims of this type of crime are elderly and are tricked into letting bogus callers into their homes.

Last week there were three distraction burglaries- two in Northolt and an attempted one in Hanwell - all the suspects pretended to be from the water board.

On Tuesday 18/1/11 at 2pm at Tomahawk Gardens, Northolt a suspect described as a white man aged in his twenties, clean shaven with dark brown cropped hair, stole a large quantity of cash from the home of elderly disabled occupants. He had pretended that he needed to check the water pipes and distracted the victim before leaving suddenly.

On Friday 21/1/11 at 4 pm there were two distraction burglaries. The first was in Redman Close, Northolt where a man between 30 - 40 pretended he needed to check the water pipes. Once in the property he distracted the elderly occupier and stole £175.00 from her purse.


The second distraction burglary was in Beresford Road, Hanwell at 1.30pm. This time two men, one a teenager described as white, slim build, clean shaven and had an Irish accent, the other man is described as white clean shaven and slim with an Irish accent.

In this case the teenage suspect knocked on the door and said he needed to check for water leaks. The second suspect then followed the first in a short while later and went upstairs and opened all the wardrobes. Fortunately nothing was stolen as the 75 year old woman’s husband was at home and they both insisted that the suspects leave.

To prevent you from becoming a victim of this type of crime please read the following tips:

o We always recommend joining a Neighbourhood Watch and, if you do answer the door to an unexpected visitor, always open it using a door-chain – and lock any back doors before you do so.
o Only ever let them in if you are absolutely sure they are genuine. Most responsible companies will not mind you calling them to check and lots of them use a password system, with a word known only to the resident and the company.
o Do not buy anything from door-to door trades people. If you think you need work done, get two or three quotes from trusted companies. You can check whether firms are reputable by contacting Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

If you would like more advice please contact your Safer Neighbourhood team on 0300 123 1212.

 

26th January 2011

 

 

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