Information on Loughborough

Preventing Distraction Burglary

Posted on 08/11/2007
P. Klein

8th November 2007

police car in Loughborough"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.