General: What is a Distraction Burglary

Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - 05:41 PM

It is a crime, which is targeted at the more vulnerable in our communities, the elderly and the ill or disabled, those who often live alone. As I write this there have been a total of ten such crimes in the West Kent police area this year and I am sure that by the time you read this there will have been others. Two of these crimes were committed in Platt and Borough Green so they are not something that happens elsewhere, they affect us as well.

The offenders will use some story to gain entry to your home; they often pretend to be an official from a gas, water or electricity company. Whatever story is given and they are many and varied its sole purpose is to get you to allow them into your home. Once inside you will be kept occupied in the kitchen filling basins of water or looking under the sink while another offender is looking for your purse or handbag. If you are asked for change for a £10 note that’s just so they can see where you keep your money.

We can all think of vulnerable people in our communities who could become victims. It falls to us all to keep an eye on them, to intervene if we see them letting people into their homes. We will often be able to recognise their normal pattern of visitors, so if something looks out of place take some action, even if its just calling round to borrow some sugar, that simple action could deter the offenders and make them leave.

We can also educate our family and friends, make them aware of the issues. The message we need to get across is that you do not let people into your homes unless you are sure of them.
Utility companies do not usually turn up unannounced, they do not need to come into your home to turn the water off, they can do that in the road and they certainly won’t ask you to fill up buckets of water and watch the kitchen tap for blue dye to come through. Do not let these people in, if necessary leave them on the doorstep and phone a friend to come and verify who they are.

We can all help in preventing this sort of crime; we can all play a part in getting this message across. It is important to act quickly if you think such a crime is taking place, phone the police and above all record details of any vehicles involved, that one registration may be so important in the bigger picture, please report anything suspicious.

If you are part of a group or organisation, maybe the WI or a coffee or lunch group and you feel that the group would benefit from a visit by me to explain these issues then please get in touch on 01732 379391.

Antony Wiles PC8024
8024@kent.pnn.police.uk