Information on Loughborough
News Index
2010
Mar 2010Feb 2010
Jan 2010
2009
Dec 2009Nov 2009
Oct 2009
Sep 2009
Aug 2009
Jul 2009
Jun 2009
May 2009
Apr 2009
Mar 2009
Feb 2009
Jan 2009
2008
Dec 2008Nov 2008
Oct 2008
Sep 2008
Aug 2008
Jul 2008
Jun 2008
May 2008
Apr 2008
Mar 2008
Feb 2008
Jan 2008
2007
Dec 2007Nov 2007
Oct 2007
Sep 2007
Aug 2007
Jul 2007
Jun 2007
May 2007
Preventing Distraction Burglary
Posted on 08/11/07
P. Klein
8th November 2007
"Dont let uninvited doorstep callers into your home" - that is the stark message from the police in Leicestershire this winter.
Recent crime analysis shows that offences of distraction burglary peak during the months of November and December and the police hope to stop any increase this year by reminding residents that it is OK to say NO to doorstep callers. According to the Home Office any crime where a falsehood, trick or distraction is used on an occupant of a dwelling to gain, or try to gain, access to the premises to commit burglary is called a distraction burglary. Burglary against any older people is especially distasteful, but fortunately they are at low risk of burglary generally. However, elderly people typically the target of distraction burglars. This is thankfully also rare but it really is a heinous crime where criminals rely and prey on the trusting nature and the vulnerability of older people.
Chief Inspector Rich Keenan, the Detective Chief Inspector on the South Area said; "In the vast majority of incidents, elderly people fall prey to bogus callers because they claim to be from the water board. There is no such thing as the water board. Genuine water companies never send people round unannounced to check your taps, they will always contact you in advance and are happy to set up a password system should they need to come to your property. If a caller shows you their identification and you are still unsure about them then call the company before you let them in. If it is legitimate they wont mind you verifying that the person on your doorstep is genuine."
"The most important thing to remember is that you dont have to let anyone into your home. Keep the chain on the door when you open it and dont be afraid to ask the caller to book an appointment or come back when you have someone with you."
"There are a whole range of excuses these types of criminals might use to get into your house and they are often very good at making themselves seem plausible and genuine but it really is important not to let anyone you dont know into your home."
"We want to protect the most vulnerable people in our communities and we all have a collective responsibility to look out for those people. If you have an elderly relative, friend or neighbour, please take the time to remind them about the dangers of uninvited callers."
Across the Leicestershire Constabulary are, there has been a reduction in the number of distraction burglaries from 200 for 2006 to 161 for 2007. (These are year to date figures) Last year, during the months of November and December, there were 41 offences across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland which compares to 20 in June and July.
Homeowners are also being urged to contact the police if they are visited by uninvited callers or see anything unusual in their street, village or town. Many offences occur during the day and homeowners are asked to remain vigilant and report any sightings of unusual or suspicious vehicles in the area or anything else that seems out of the ordinary. Noting down the registration number of any unusual vehicles is also really useful. Anyone who sees a crime being committed should dial 999 but if they have information about suspicious vehicles or people they should call Leicester (0116) 222 2222 or call Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.
Facts On Distraction Burglary:
- 23% were male
- 77% of victims were female
- 12% lived in sheltered accommodation
- 26% lived with someone
- 74% of victims lived alone
- The average age of victims was 78 years
- An analysis of police records over the 1999-2001 period indicates an average of 14,500 reported crimes per year.
Latest Loughborough News
Easter Holiday Events in Leicestershire to view online |
|---|
Created: Wednesday 17th of March 2010 06:30:01 PM  Community Services17 March 2010Easter Holiday Events in Leicestershire to view onlineLeicestershire museums, libraries and country parks will be hosting numerous events, many of which are free throughout the school holidays to keep the family entertained across the county. There’s something for everyone, whether your family enjoy arts and crafts, games and puzzles, historical or nature events.... Read More: Easter Holiday Events in Leicestershire to view online |
‘In the Frame’ winner announced at Harborough Museum |
Created: Wednesday 17th of March 2010 04:30:02 PM Community Services 17 March 2010. .... Read More: ‘In the Frame’ winner announced at Harborough Museum |
Praise for long serving school governors |
Created: Wednesday 17th of March 2010 04:30:01 PM 17 March 2010Praise for long serving school governorsPhoto Opportunity: School governors from all over the County will be thanked for serving their local communities at a special reception hosted by Roger Wilson, the Chairman of Leicestershire County Council. The event is taking place at County Hall on Tuesday 23rd March at 5.... Read More: Praise for long serving school governors |
Park and ride scoops two awards |
Created: Wednesday 17th of March 2010 12:30:01 PM 17 March 2010Park and ride scoops two awardsThe Enderby park and ride scheme has scooped two awards in the Parking Review British Parking Awards 2010. The £9.... Read More: Park and ride scoops two awards |
Recycled humps, quieter bumps |
Created: Wednesday 17th of March 2010 10:30:01 AM 17 March 2010Recycled humps, quieter bumpsRubber speed bumps are being used to cut traffic speed in Syston. The innovative safety measures, made from recycled rubber tyres, are the first of their kind in Leicestershire and have been put in along Barkby Road.... Read More: Recycled humps, quieter bumps |
Related Loughborough News
Four arrested in distraction burglary campaign |
|---|
Created: Tuesday 22nd of December 2009 09:39:02 AM  Four arrested in distraction burglary campaignThe police in Leicestershire have arrested four people in connection with distraction burglary offences – two of them have been remanded into prison. The arrests are part of a campaign, which is running across five police forces, to tackle the problem of distraction burglaries.... |
Distraction Burglary in Loughborough |
Created: Wednesday 29th of August 2007 10:37:31 PM  Police in Loughborough are appealing for witnesses following a distraction burglary at a home on Nanpanton Road in Loughborough. The incident happened at around 4:15pm on Bank Holiday Monday (August 27, 2007) when an 86-year-old woman answered a knock on her back door to three men asking for directions. As the woman went to write them down the men barged past her into her home. One of them held her by the wrists while the other two searched the property. They took around ... Read More: Distraction Burglary in Loughborough |
Attempted distraction burglary in Coalville |
Created: Wednesday 26th of August 2009 12:49:04 PM  Attempted distraction burglary in CoalvillePolice are sending out a warning to residents in Coalville after an attempted distraction burglary. The incident happened at around 12.... Read More: Attempted distraction burglary in Coalville |
Distraction burglary in North West Leicestershire |
Created: Monday 22nd of June 2009 05:01:02 PM  Distraction burglary in North West Leicestershire Police are appealing for witnesses following the report of a distraction burglary in Swadlincote. The incident happened at around 1.... Read More: Distraction burglary in North West Leicestershire |
Appeal for information following distraction burglary in Arnesby Crescent |
Created: Tuesday 30th of June 2009 05:00:07 PM  Appeal for information following distraction burglary in Arnesby Crescent Officers are appealing for information in relation to a distraction burglary at an address on Arnesby Crescent in Leicester. The incident happened at about 2.... Read More: Appeal for information following distraction burglary in Arnesby Crescent |
Most Read Loughborough News (today)
Graffiti Workshops in Loughborough and Charnwood |
|---|
Created: Friday 18th of July 2008 11:00:00 AM  A SERIES of free graffiti workshops could help creative youngsters avoid a brush with the law. Charnwood Community Safety Partnership, of which Charnwood Borough Council is a partner, is staging the six-week programme of graffiti workshops in three neighbourhoods to give 11 to 16-year-olds an alternative means of expression rather than daubing slogans and images on buildings throughout the Borough.... |
Ladybird Survey |
Created: Tuesday 29th of April 2008 09:03:00 AM  Ladybirds ( or ladybugs if you are American) are loved by the public but now help is needed to monitor local numbers as an invasive species called the harlequin ladybird spreads across England.... Read More: Ladybird Survey |
Lollipop sisters not just doing it for themselves |
Created: Friday 4th of April 2008 05:29:00 PM  Helping children to get to school safely is a family affair for two sisters who are urging others to come forward and become a School Crossing Patrol.... Read More: Lollipop sisters not just doing it for themselves |
Mini moto campaign in Loughborough is a crushing success. |
Created: Wednesday 2nd of July 2008 03:31:00 PM  14 motorbikes and mini-motos have been crushed after they were confiscated by police in Loughborough during a crack down on young people who drive dangerously and inconsiderately on roads, parks and public places.... Read More: Mini moto campaign in Loughborough is a crushing success. |
Radical plans to personalise social care in Leicestershire |
Created: Tuesday 22nd of July 2008 04:45:00 PM  Radical changes to social care in Leicestershire will be outlined at a meeting next week. The County Council wants to personalise its social care and will update the Cabinet on the plans next Tuesday (29th July).... Read More: Radical plans to personalise social care in Leicestershire |
Most Read Loughborough News (this month)
Loughborough Astra Zeneca Closure |
|---|
Created: Tuesday 2nd of March 2010 04:03:15 PM  Charnwood Borough Council has today learned that the Astra Zeneca has decided to close its facility in Loughborough by the end of 2011. The announcement is a huge blow and a major loss of employment in the Borough and in Loughborough in particular. ... Read More: Loughborough Astra Zeneca Closure |
Family of Ernest Mathers pay tribute to him |
Created: Saturday 20th of February 2010 07:49:32 AM  Family of Ernest Mathers pay tribute to him Ernest pictured with his common law wife Nina The family of a man killed in a road traffic collision have paid tribute to him. 46-year-old Ernest Mathers from Doncaster was killed in a road traffic collision at around 1.... Read More: Family of Ernest Mathers pay tribute to him |
Action group to meet regarding Astra Zeneca announcement |
Created: Wednesday 3rd of March 2010 11:03:57 AM An action group consisting of local organisations is to meet on Friday to discuss yesterday s (Tue) announcement by Astra Zeneca. Charnwood Borough Council has organised the urgent meeting after the pharmaceutical firm announced it will close its operation in the town by the end of next year. This will mean a loss of nearly 1,200 jobs. ... Read More: Action group to meet regarding Astra Zeneca announcement |
Appeal following incident at Loughborough University |
Created: Friday 26th of February 2010 08:10:01 PM  Appeal following incident at Loughborough UniversityPolice are appealing for witnesses following the report of a serious sexual assault in Loughborough. The incident is alleged to have happened sometime between 1.... Read More: Appeal following incident at Loughborough University |
Thirteen people arrested in 'Bling' crackdown |
Created: Wednesday 24th of February 2010 10:20:01 PM  Thirteen people arrested in 'Bling' crackdownThirteen people have been arrested in the first phase of a Force-wide operation to crackdown on criminals living lavish lifestyles from the proceeds of crime. The ‘Too Much Bling? Give us a Ring’ campaign was launched on February 10, 2010, encouraging members of the public to call Crimestoppers anonymously to let police know of any people who may be living beyond their means from drug money or ill gotten gains.... |