Distraction Burglary - advice from the Metropolitan Police
Most people will wonder what distraction burglary is; it is gaining access to premises by pretending to be someone else and then stealing. The easiest way to explain it is to call the criminals who commit this callous offence ‘Bogus Callers’.
Many excuses are made to gain entry, the predominant ones being:
· Water, Gas or Electricity workers.
· Council or other companies working in the area
· Visitors to other residents wishing to leave a note as they are out.
· Children claiming to be collecting for charity or having lost something in the garden, or requesting use of the toilet.
All of these callers rely on the goodwill of the resident to gain entry. They have come to realise that the older generations still trust people and that they sometimes have money on their premises, as they are not as mobile as they were. On this matter it is unlikely the resident would be able to chase the ‘Bogus Caller’ if needed.
Many times, due to failing eyesight or not having glasses on at the time of opening the door, identity cards are not seen properly and frequently the chance to examine them fully is not given.
On entry the ‘Bogus Caller’ will often get the resident to lead the way. He then leaves the door ajar for his assistant and often the resident does not see this second person. The main suspect keeps talking with the resident and often asks them to do something, like empty a cupboard or turn on taps. He stays with the resident all the time.
The assistant normally follows a set procedure on entry.
· Go to living room check bags and drawers near to resident’s chair.
· Go to bedroom check top two drawers, under mattress, pockets of clothing in wardrobe and force open any locked drawers.
· Take any jewellery or cash lying on top of dressing tables.
· Make way to front door signal friend and both then leave.
Often the resident does not realise property is missing until hours after or even days after. This can cause confusion with elderly residents in particular, triggering thoughts such as ‘ was the property really there, did I move it or I just can’t remember.’ The feeling of being silly, stupid or ‘it’s my fault as I let them in’ comes into play, then the feeling of ‘I won’t tell anyone’ also occurs, as the resident does not wish to worry relatives or cause a fuss. Many sufferers / victims of Bogus Callers do not report the incident.
How can we reduce the instances of Bogus Caller Crime? A small change to the door answering procedure can have a dramatic effect.
REMEMBER
No one has the right or need to enter your property unless you want them to.
1. Keep the door closed, ask who it is and what they want.
2. Have they got an appointment?
If Yes! Check any identity card they produce.
If No! Do not open the door for any reason.
3. If they say they are from the Gas, Water, Electricity, Phone, Council or Cable TV Company, ask them for your account number or your password (if you have one.) They should know this if they are genuine. If they don’t know it, do not let them in.
4. Genuine callers will always be prepared to return by appointment at a time that is safe and convenient to you. Perhaps when you have a friend with you.
5. If in doubt, keep them out.
Don’t let them in.
Dial 999 and tell the police.
No Appointment – No Entry.