Beware of distraction burglary

Distraction burglary is a growing menace. As the nights draw in and the clocks go back, burglaries tend to increase under the cover of darkness and stay at higher levels until the spring. Not all burglars break into darkened homes, though: some trick or con their way in. They're often alarmingly plausible and sometimes have success with older people - so if you have a relative, friend or neighbour living alone, there are certain things they should know.

Criminals involved in these scams can be very persuasive, pretending to be on official business from utility companies or the council to gain entry and steal from homes. They may claim to be tradesmen or workmen calling to carry out urgent repairs, or even a police officer.

If you know someone elderly or vulnerable, make sure they know about these simple steps to stay safer:

• Think before you open the door - use your chain and spy hole or look out of the window to see if you recognise the caller. 
• Ask for proof of identity. Genuine tradesmen should carry an identification card with their photograph on. Check this carefully. If you are unsure, telephone the company the caller claims to represent.
• The utilities now offer a password identification system. Any caller from one of these companies should be able to give a pre-arranged password as additional proof of identity.
• Beware of callers who attempt to distract you by claiming that they have seen something untoward in your garden or somewhere which may encourage you to leave your house or allow them access to your house or garden - they may have an accomplice awaiting this distraction.
• If you are not convinced of the identity of the caller, don't let them in. Genuine callers will not be offended. Ask the caller to come back later and arrange for a friend, relative or neighbour to be present on their return or ask the caller to contact this person.
• If you are still worried, dial 999 immediately and ask for the police.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of burglary, Victim Support provides free and confidential support to victims and witnesses of crime and their families. You can find out more at www.victimsupport.org or call on 0845 30 30 900.

You can find our more information on general burglary crime prevention advice at www.met.police.uk/crimeprevention/burglary.htm

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