Campaign against distraction burglaries

Cheshire Police are putting their foot in the door of distraction burglars who trick their way into houses and prey on the elderly and vulnerable.

'Not Sure? … Don't Open The Door' is the message at the heart of Operation Liberal's awareness campaign against distraction burglars. The national campaign, sponsored by the Energy Retail Association (ERA), aims to make people aware of the tactics used by distraction burglars and how they can prevent themselves from becoming potential victims.

Detective Inspector Nigel Groom, of the Eastern Area Burglary Team, said, "We treat distraction burglary as a very serious crime - the emotional impact on the victim can be considerable.

"Making arrests and seeing offenders convicted and sentenced, provides a great deal of job satisfaction, but there is still a victim. We know prevention is the best answer of all which is why we urge people to always question if the person at their door is who they say they are.

"Genuine callers will not be offended when you ask for identification or call the company they claim to be from to check on them. I would appeal to anyone who sees people acting suspiciously around their neighbours' homes to call the police to report their concerns and help to prevent this upsetting and distressing crime."

The campaign uses posters which feature four elderly people and depict commonly used methods of distraction burglary. The posters will be placed at hearts of communities such as Post Offices, doctors' surgeries, places of worship, community centres, bingo halls, charity shops, newsagents and hospitals. To print one for yourself click on the picture, right, for a full size image then print in the normal way. Why not give a copy to an elderly person as an aid memoir.

To find how to sign up to your energy supplier's Priority Service Register and Password Scheme by calling the Home Heat Helpline (0800 33 66 99). This is a free phone advice and information service run by the Energy Retail Association. Julian Anderton, Head of Operations for the Energy Retail Association, said, "Distraction burglary is an abhorrent crime, and the energy industry is committed to supporting Operation Liberal - to educate communities and support victims of this crime. Everyone has the right to feel safe, and to know that callers to their home are legitimate."

Crime prevention tips:

• If you're not sure who is at your door, don't open it. Check the identity of the caller by calling the company they are purporting to be from, ie. Police, Council or Gas, Electricity, Water companies. Use the telephone numbers listed in your local directory or provided independently by your service provider. Do not use any telephone numbers provided by the caller, as they may be bogus.
• Many utility service providers like gas, electricity and water, provide password schemes for customers, sign up to these. When unannounced callers claiming to be from these utility providers call at your door they should know the password if they are genuine.
• ‘Water Boards' no longer exist, it is an obsolete phrase used only by bogus callers.
• Don't keep large quantities of cash at home, put it in the bank where it is safe.
• Keep doors locked and windows secure at all times.
• Ensure that if you do let somebody in to your home, you close the door behind them – distraction burglars often work in teams, where one will distract you whilst others sneak in through the insecure door.
• If somebody asks for your help, for instance, needs to make a telephone call, lost a ball in your garden, needs a drink or pen and paper, refer them to a younger neighbour or assist them through a closed door or call a friend or neighbour to come and help.
• If you suspect a bogus caller is at your door call the police immediately.

We regularly experience problems in our area with distraction burglaries on the elderly.

I must stress how important it is to advise every elderly person of these additional protection points:

1. Do not answer the door if you are not expecting anyone.
2. Most Official visitors will arrange an appointment prior to calling.
3. If you are not expecting anyone, and you are alone, do not open the door but ask any visitors to call back when you have someone with you. Ask a friend, neighbour or family member for help.
4. Keep your front and back doors locked, even when at home. Never leave the door open during hot weather to let the warm air circulate.
5. Before opening the front door to a caller always check the back door is locked and the key has been taken out of the lock. Look through the spy hole or the window to see who it is.
6. If you decide to open the door, use a door chain.
7. Always ask for identification.
8. Never agree to any work being done or sign any paper until you have talked to a neighbour or family member.
9. If you are suspicious of any caller, inform the police. You could prevent another person from suffering crime. WE NEED TO KNOW WHO IS OPERATING IN THE AREA.
10. The gas, water and electricity companies and some councils now operate a password system for older and more vulnerable customers. Customers give them a word which is confidential to them and which will be used by the company representative when they call to confirm that they are legitimate. Utility companies can be contacted to set these password up.

Homewatch members can help to catch these criminals. If elderly members receive callers, make a note of any vehicle, ie. make, model, colour, registration number, and report them to the police if you think something is a little suspicious. I stress that most people who call at your home will be genuine but sometimes people turn up unannounced with the intention of tricking their way into your house.

Thank you,

JANE THIRSK
Watch Officer
Cheshire Police

Macclesfield Neighbourhood Policing Team 0845 458 6371