WHAT IS A DISTRACTION BURGLARY?

A distraction burglary is a crime where entry is gained to premises by an offender, who pretends to be a person who would normally be allowed entry to those premises, with the intention of stealing. This includes bogus officials and rogue traders. A number of identities can be used eg, Water, Gas and Electricity Board Personnel, Council Worker, Police Officers, Door-to-Door Sales and Bogus Property Repairers or Gardeners.

KEY PROBLEMS

• Over 12,000 reported offences in England and Wales, annually.

• Massive under-reporting due to embarrassment of victims, ignorance that an offence has been committed or perception of victim as to the potential interest by the Police.

• Devastating impact on victims.

• Levels of criminality – Financial Rewards, Networking by offenders.

VICTIM PROFILE

Research shows that the average age of a victim is 81 years. It has been found that 77% of victims are females and 74% live alone. There are of course younger victims but in the main these are vulnerable people by virtue of mental health or physical considerations.

THINGS THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT OFFENDERS

• Although the victim only sees one offender it is normal for distraction burglars to work in team of between 2-4 people.

• The offender will rarely drive a vehicle to the scene of an intended burglary. In most cases they will use a vehicle. However, this vehicle will be parked a short distance away, probably near to a main traffic route.

• There will invariably be elements of preparation eg, listening at the door/window. Only one offender will talk to the intended victim whilst other offenders hide out of the way until entry is gained. In some cases earlier visits have been made to homes in varying guises of builders, tarmacers, gardeners and PVCu workers.

• When questioned about identity cards in depth, offenders will often make excuses and leave. However offenders have been known to produce and allow inspection of ID cards. Violence is very rare.

• Offenders are known to travel large distances in any one day to commit crime.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO ASSIST?

• Identify possible target victims in your area.

• Attempt to educate potential victims not to keep large sums of money in the home.

• Educate potential victims to keep doors locked whilst they are in their home.

• Impress upon such persons of the need to ask for identity and examining thoroughly any form of identification card before allowing access. Try to verify the callers’ identity by phoning their organisation. If in any doubt do not let them in.

• A door chain which is fitted and used forms a barrier and prevents the elderly from becoming quite so flustered. Encourage the fitting and use of such a chain.

• Pay special attention in respect of visitors to the premises of the vulnerable or elderly. Educate potential victims not to purchase goods or services at the door.

• If circumstances are obviously suspicious ring 999 and request Police assistance.

• A neighbour enquiring at an elderly person’s house will often cause the offenders to move on. I would not advocate members of the public to have a go but just the sight of a neighbour will deter offenders.

• Write down details of vehicles and any description of offenders as soon as possible after any incident. Retain the paper and hand to the Police.

• If it becomes obvious that a crime has been committed, prevent the householder from tidying up or otherwise disturbing any forensic evidence. Well-wishers can be well meaning but they also contaminate crime scenes.