Police and the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers launched a list of the 10 'Most Wanted' people sought in connection with distraction burglaries.
The campaign warns the public to be careful about who they let into their homes especially as it approaches February, a time of year when burglaries traditionally peak. Distraction burglars trick their way in to the houses of the elderly and vulnerable, by pretending to be a type of official or asking for assistance.
The 10 'Most Wanted' individuals are featured on Crimestoppers Most Wanted site at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/wanted
While distraction burglary isn't a common crime, it often has a totally devastating effect on the victims. In addition to tracing the whereabouts of the 10 'Most Wanted' distraction burglars, the campaign aims to raise awareness so people can prevent themselves from being deceived by these callous individuals. The message is very clear 'if your're not sure who is calling, then don't open the door!'
Crime Prevention Advice:
• 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. Gas,
Electricity, Water and Police. 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, they may be bogus.
• Telephone a neighbour or friend nearby to come along and check out the
caller before you open the door to them.
• Some areas in the country have Neighbourhood Watch or Nominated Neighbour
Schemes you can sign up to. Check with your local police Safer Neighbourhood
Team to find out if there is one in your area.
• Many utility service providers like Gas, Electricity and Water, provide
password schemes or hotline numbers for customers to call, to check the identity
of callers before opening the door. Speak to your utility provider.• Don’t keep
large quantities of cash at home.
• Keep doors locked and windows secure at all times. Only put the door
chain on to answer the door.
• If somebody asks for your help, needs to make a telephone call, has lost
a ball in your garden, needs a drink or request a pen and paper for example,
refer them to a younger neighbour or assist them through a closed door. Or call
a friend or neighbour to come and assist.
• If you suspect a bogus caller has visited you, even if you didn’t let
them in, call the police straight away. We need to know!
Carol Aston Crime Reduction Officer Safer Peterborough Team Cambridgeshire Police
Tel 0345 456 456 4 ext 4417
(C) Park Farm Neighbourhood Watch Peterborough UK Tel: 01733 345581
Broadcasters direct call ISDN 'down the line' 01733 555319 ISDN Codecs G722 & APT
All Press Enquiries Julian Bray 01733 345581
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