WHAT IS DISTRACTION BURGLARY ?

Most people who call at your home will be genuine. But sometimes people turn up unannounced, with the intention of tricking their way into people’s homes. They are known as ‘distraction burglars’, whose only aim is to get into homes to distract people and steal their money or valuables. You should always be aware when someone you don’t know calls at your door. Bogus callers may be smartly dressed and claim to be from the council, the police, health organisations or gas, water or electricity companies. They can be convincing and persuasive. They may be men, women or even children. They may ask for a drink of water or to wash their hands. Some may be looking for a lost pet. In fact, people may use any story.

WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT DISTRACTION BURGLARS?

Householders are encouraged to take note of the following advice.

• If you require the services of a utility or other company remember to pre-book the time so that you know whom to expect and when.
• Don’t open the door to anyone before you’ve checked who it is – look out of the window or use a spy hole in your door. (see Page 15 for a list of utility company telephone numbers if you need to confirm the identity of callers).
• If you open the door, keep the chain on while you find out who is calling and what they want.
• If you’re not expecting someone and you don’t know them, don’t let them into your home, no matter what they say to you. If a caller is genuine, they will understand your concerns.
• If someone is asking for a favour, such as to use your toilet, borrow a pen or retrieve a ball, don’t let him or her in. Instead direct them to a shop, office or public place. It’s only natural to want to help someone, but sadly that’s one of the techniques often used by distraction burglars.
• If you have any concerns about someone who has called at your door, call the police immediately. If you have a chance, try to note what they look like and any vehicle they have with them, so police can investigate.
• If someone from a company calls at your door, even if you are expecting them, ask to see their identification and check it thoroughly. If you are blind or partially sighted, ask a friend or neighbour who you trust to help you if someone calls at your door.
• If you were not expecting anyone, explain that you need to check they are legitimate and ask them to wait outside for a few minutes. Take a note of their name and the company they claim to be working for and then close and lock the door.
• Look up the phone number for the company in a telephone directory and check they have an employee of that name and that they are visiting you on legitimate business.
• Never just take someone’s word for it and don’t use any phone number they give you to check their identity – you don’t know if it’s a genuine number.

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