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Distraction burglaries in the Eastern Area
At least four distraction burglaries took place on Wednesday morning 16th June. The first was in Burymead in Stevenage just after 9am and the offenders, a woman and a man, moved across East Herts during the morning saying that they were Social Workers. Cash was stolen from all the houses.
Descriptions are: the female was white, with a foreign accent and wore a grey suit and a headscarf, aged about 30-40 years. The male was white, about 20-30 years with short dark hair, wearing dark trousers and a white shirt.
Detective Constable Mick Ward from the Constabulary’s Operation Manhunt team, which is dedicated to investigating distraction burglaries in the county, said: “We would like to take this opportunity to once again remind homeowners of the importance of keeping their door bar or chain on at all times, and only allowing people in when they are entirely convinced that they are who they say they are.
“These criminals are very persuasive and plausible and we are calling upon residents, their families and carers to be aware of these callers and to take precautions against them.
Sarah Pickup, Director of Hertfordshire County Council’s Adult Care Services said: “Our social workers usually make appointments to see people. They rarely call unexpectedly and they always carry proof of their identity with them when they are on duty.
“Our advice is never to let anyone into your home or give them any information about yourself without making sure they are who they claim to be. Always ask unknown callers for proof of their identity and check it carefully. If you are still uncertain don’t let them in.
“Everybody working for Hertfordshire County Council’s social care services will be happy to call back later so that you can ring us on 01438 737400 to check that they are genuine.”
Crime prevention advice:
Consider the following advice before answering a knock at the door:
Make sure doors are locked - even when you are in the house, or are expecting a caller. It only takes a few seconds for someone to walk in and take a wallet or purse that has been left lying around. Always put the door chain on before you open the door. Alternatively, use a door bar, which is less fiddly than a chain. You can get either from a DIY store and they are inexpensive and easy to fit. Find out what the caller wants and don’t feel pressurised into letting them in. If the caller is claiming to be carrying out maintenance work or from a utility company - such as a water supplier - check the caller’s ID card and telephone their company. Genuine callers will be happy to wait while you make the check but don’t use the number given on the card as if it is a bogus caller the number may be that of an accomplice. Find the number in the phone book instead. · If you still feel uneasy, don’t let the caller in, or ask them to call back later. You can then ask for advice from a family member, friend or your local police and arrange for someone to be with you if you’ve asked them to return. Never buy items or pay for services in cash at the door. It lets people know that you have money in the house. Never give work to tradespeople who call at the door - always use a reputable and recommended local firm for such work as gardening, roof repairs and surfacing driveways. Don’t keep large sums of money at home. If you know anyone who does, encourage them to save their money in a safer place such as in a bank, building society or post office account. If you are in any doubt or believe that a crime has been committed, call the police on 999.
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