Distraction burglary: Warning and advice

Distraction burglary: Warning and advice

Dear Resident,

Distraction burglary happens all year round but we see an increase of crime around this time of year. I've added a few tips and suspicious activity to look out for through the Christmas period.

If you live alone or feel vulnerable to cold callers we can offer you a nominated neighbour pack which can give you a sense of security within your home, if you are interested in a pack please email me or reply to this message and ill be in touch.

We have some simple tips to follow which can minimise risk to a distraction burglary and how to deal with ‘cold callers’ at the doorstep:

If someone knocks on your door, check who it is by looking through a window or peep-hole.

If it’s not someone you know and trust, or a business caller who has made a pre-arranged appointment – do not open the door! This advice applies regardless of whatever uniform the caller appears to be wearing, the ID card they are carrying or however urgent their business claims to be.

Tell unexpected business callers to leave and come back later at an agreed time when you have someone else with you.

In the meantime, check their credentials by calling the organisation they claim to represent. Do so by searching the company name and number online, or in your telephone book. As any number they might have given you could be for an accomplice of a potential offender.

Report suspicious activity to the police. No matter how small it may seem, your information may help with investigations and prevent legitimate scammers from committing a crime.

If you aren’t comfortable contacting us directly, you can pass on information anonymously to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

If you ever feel at risk, or a crime is in progress, please always dial 999.

Thank you for your help. It is only by the police and the public working together that we can prevent and detect crime.

Kind regards,

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Message Sent By
Holly Larner
(Police, Police Community Support Officer, Redditch Abbey Town Centre)