06 October 2011
POLICE are warning pensioners to be on their guard following three similar distraction burglaries that have happened in Dunstable and Caddington.
The most recent incident happened at 12.45pm on Tuesday October 4, when an offender called at the house of an 81-year-old man in Waterlow Road, Dunstable. The male offender told the victim that there had been some damage to his fence that he wanted to pay for repairs. The offender then asked the victim to show him the fence so he could see how much damage had been caused.
In the meantime a second offender slipped into the property and stole the man’s wallet which contained a large sum of money. At this point the victim heard another man shout out and the first offender then fled the property. The victim went to the front door, but couldn’t see the offender anywhere and after inspecting his home, he realised that he had been robbed and went to a neighbour’s house for help.
This offence is similar to an attempted distraction burglary in West Street, Dunstable at 2pm, on Thursday September 29. On this occasion three men approached an elderly man’s house telling him that a window at the back of the property had been broken and asked for access to the garden to show him the damage. The resident became suspicious of the story and asked the men to leave.
Later the same day, a distraction burglary took place in Manor Road, Caddington. At 2.45pm a man called at the front door claiming that some fencing in the back garden had been damaged. He asked to have access to show the elderly resident the damage and has suggested that it had been caused by a child playing in a neighbouring garden. Whilst in the back garden the resident has become suspicious and has asked the man to leave. As they re-entered the house a second offender was seen in the house. Both men fled taking a handbag belonging to the victim which was later recovered in another part of Caddington.
Detective Constable Catherine Layton who is investigating the incidents said: “We have become used to distraction burglars claiming to be from utility companies or the emergency services, but it appears that they are attempting a new method of gaining access to properties.
“We would remind the elderly to be extremely cautious about anyone calling at their home, to always use a spy hole and door chain and to insist on identification. If you are in any way suspicious, dial 999.”
If you have an elderly relative, friend or neighbour now is a good time to remind them not to let unexpected visitors into their homes and follow these tips:
Anyone with information about these offences can contact DC Layton at Dunstable Police Station on 01582 473375, call the non-emergency telephone number on 101, text to 07786 2000 11 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Beware Of Distraction Burglars
POLICE are warning pensioners to be on their guard following three similar distraction burglaries that have happened in Dunstable and Caddington.
The most recent incident happened at 12.45pm on Tuesday October 4, when an offender called at the house of an 81-year-old man in Waterlow Road, Dunstable. The male offender told the victim that there had been some damage to his fence that he wanted to pay for repairs. The offender then asked the victim to show him the fence so he could see how much damage had been caused.
In the meantime a second offender slipped into the property and stole the man’s wallet which contained a large sum of money. At this point the victim heard another man shout out and the first offender then fled the property. The victim went to the front door, but couldn’t see the offender anywhere and after inspecting his home, he realised that he had been robbed and went to a neighbour’s house for help.
This offence is similar to an attempted distraction burglary in West Street, Dunstable at 2pm, on Thursday September 29. On this occasion three men approached an elderly man’s house telling him that a window at the back of the property had been broken and asked for access to the garden to show him the damage. The resident became suspicious of the story and asked the men to leave.
Later the same day, a distraction burglary took place in Manor Road, Caddington. At 2.45pm a man called at the front door claiming that some fencing in the back garden had been damaged. He asked to have access to show the elderly resident the damage and has suggested that it had been caused by a child playing in a neighbouring garden. Whilst in the back garden the resident has become suspicious and has asked the man to leave. As they re-entered the house a second offender was seen in the house. Both men fled taking a handbag belonging to the victim which was later recovered in another part of Caddington.
Detective Constable Catherine Layton who is investigating the incidents said: “We have become used to distraction burglars claiming to be from utility companies or the emergency services, but it appears that they are attempting a new method of gaining access to properties.
“We would remind the elderly to be extremely cautious about anyone calling at their home, to always use a spy hole and door chain and to insist on identification. If you are in any way suspicious, dial 999.”
If you have an elderly relative, friend or neighbour now is a good time to remind them not to let unexpected visitors into their homes and follow these tips:
- Always use a door chain or spy-hole to check who is calling before you open the door. Shut and lock the back door before you open the front – these offenders often work in pairs.
- All utility staff carry ID cards. Make them show the card, and then use the number in the phone book to call the relevant company and check that they are a genuine member of staff. Make sure they wait outside while you do this.
- Always stay with the caller while they are in your home. You should be suspicious if they want to look round on their own.
- Never show anyone where you keep valuables. Do not keep large amounts of money in the house – even if you think it is well hidden.
- If you are at all suspicious of the caller, DO NOT LET THEM IN. Lock the door and call the police.
Anyone with information about these offences can contact DC Layton at Dunstable Police Station on 01582 473375, call the non-emergency telephone number on 101, text to 07786 2000 11 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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