Distraction burglary
DON'T LET ANYONE INTO YOUR HOME UNLESS YOU ARE EXPECTING HIM OR HER, EVEN IF THEY SAY IT IS URGENT.
Distraction burglary in Wandsworth
The message above is what our Distraction Burglary Officer is passing on to all pensioners in Wandsworth. The people who commit these crimes tend to target the elderly people in an area and often use a very plausible story to con their way into people's homes. The criminals often pose as Water Board Officials, Council Workers, Gas and Electricity Workers and even bogus Police Officers! But it doesn't stop at the official type of person, even children are used to distract you at the doorstep asking to get their ball from your garden or saying they are not feeling well and can they have a glass of water. Even women are known to work in Wandsworth, asking for money for cabs or saying that they have locked themselves out and can they use your phone. So you get the idea. There is no end to the number of ideas they will come up with to get into your home. When they are in there they will be looking for money in particular. Always keep your money well out of sight.
What is Wandsworth doing about it?
As part of a reassessment of service effectiveness and reapplication of resources we have moved away from offering advice at the Age Concern Safe and Secure Desk and in its place have a programme of outreach work with the Partnership's road show vehicle. Our road show campaign aims to get out across the borough and into communities, taking the important knowledge and advice the Partnership can offer direct to those who are vulnerable. The following is a programme of road shows for the coming weeks:
- Sunday 21st June - The Annual Mela, Franciscan Primary School, Tooting - 13:00 to 17:00.
- Saturday 4th July - Battersea Fire Station Open Day - 11:00 to 16:00.
Note: The schedule is subject to change. The website is currently being developed and updates will not be made as frequently. For information on road shows you can also call us on 020 8871 8919.
No Cold Calling Zone Scheme
Wandsworth's Community Safety Division, Trading Standards and the West Putney Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) joined forces in 2007 to pilot the 'No Cold Calling Zone' scheme. The pilot was launched on 3rd February 2007 in the presence of the Mayor, Cllr Cousins the Cabinet member for Regeneration and Community Safety along with West Putney SNT, Trading Standards and Community Safety. The idea behind this scheme is to prevent distraction burglars entering elderly and vulnerable people's homes. Trading Standards are also interested in dodgy traders who offer to mend fences and roofs or tarmac drives and then rip off the person, charging ridiculous prices and often going back for more later. Find out more.
Under-reporting
One of the main problems with this crime is that a lot of people don't report it. Sometimes people don't realise they have lost anything until days later or feel embarrassed that they have been taken in by these criminals. But it is very important that the Police get to know about all these crimes so that they can target their resources to deal with it and help prevent others from becoming victims. We are trying to make it as easy as possible to report distraction burglary, so if you think you may have been a victim or you're not sure please call us in Community Safety on (020) 8871 0803.
Digital television switchover
The digital switch over is coming and by 2012 all households in Greater London will have had to switch to digital. There are always people who use clever tactics to make money on the back of something new and the digital switchover is no exception. Indeed, it provides the distraction burglar with an easy way into vulnerable people's homes. Read more here.
Useful links
Age Concern
Victim Support Wandsworth
Home Office Burglary Reduction Advice
Useful publications
 How to beat the bogus caller – Advice and contacts to help protect yourself against distraction burglary and bogus callers. 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. These are known as 'distraction burglars' or 'bogus callers'.
Keep it safe. Keep it hidden. Keep it locked. - Advice on various forms of crime prevention, including how to deal with bogus callers. Most of the steps suggested in this leaflet are common sense and don't cost much, but they can make a real difference.
Be safe, be secure - Advice on various forms of crime prevention, including how to deal with bogus callers. This booklet tells you how you can help reduce your risk of being a victim of crime. You can make yourself safer and protect your home, your family and your belongings by following some of these simple suggestions.
You can also contact Community Safety and ask to be sent any of our advice leaflets. |
