Projects and initiatives

"Don't let anyone into your home unless you are expecting him or her, even if they say it is urgent."

The is the message that our Distraction Burglary Officer is passing on to all pensioners in Wandsworth.

The people who commit distraction burglary tend to target elderly people and often use a very plausible story to con their way into people's homes. They often pose as Water Board Officials, Council Workers, Gas and Electricity Workers and even 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. Women are also known to work in Wandsworth, asking for money for cabs or saying that they have locked themselves out and asking to 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. While they are in your home they will be looking for money in particular so always keep your money well out of sight.

What are we doing about it?

We've launched a road show campaign which takes the important knowledge and advice we have about avoiding distracted burglary direct to those who are vulnerable. For the latest information on our road shows call us on 020 8871 8919. This campaign replaces offering advice at the Age Concern Safe and Secure Desk.

We also have the No Cold Calling scheme which aims to prevent distraction burglars entering elderly and vulnerable people's homes and limit the number of rogue/bogus traders operating in the area. As part of the scheme each household is given a pack of information about the pilot, which includes a window sticker stating they are in a 'No Cold Calling Zone', a telephone notepad, giving them the non-emergency number to ring and an incident reporting pad to note down details of any callers. In addition to this, street signs are erected on the lampposts in the area of the zone. Read more about the No Cold Calling scheme here.

If you think you're a victim, make sure you report it

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 scams

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.

Find out how to avoid becoming a victim of digital switchover scams.