Knock Knock
Beware who is calling at your doorWest Mercia Police has developed the ‘Knock knock' campaign, to reduce the number of distraction burglaries committed in the force area. An information leaflet has been produced to provide guidance for individuals on how they can best protect themselves and the more vulnerable members of their community, against distraction crimes.
Distraction burglaries involve criminals posing as genuine callers – they often claim to be from a utility company – who use their skills to gain entry into a person’s home. Once inside, one of the callers distracts the homeowner, while another searches for money and valuable items to steal.
A variation of distraction burglary involves criminals posing as reputable tradespeople who offer to undertake repair work on a person’s property. They do the work badly - if at all - and put people under extreme pressure to pay. Each year, around 350 doorstep crime incidents are reported to West Mercia Police.
Who Are The Victims?
Anyone can be the victim of a distraction crime but older, vulnerable people are at most risk. Research shows that:
- 67% of victims are female
- 74% of victims live alone
- The average victim is 80 years old
Fortunately the majority of victims, after the initial shock of the crime, make a full recovery. For a small minority of the most vulnerable however, the consequences can be very serious and long term.
Who Commits Distraction Burglary?
People who commit these crimes are well organised and good at what they do. Genuine callers (utility workers, etc.) will not mind waiting while you check their identification and even phone the company they represent if you have any doubts about their authenticity.
Stopping the Criminals – How You Can Help
West Mercia Police is working with Trading Standards to help put a stop to these crimes but everyone has a part to play. Look after your more vulnerable neighbours – research shows that fewer distraction burglaries are committed in areas where there is a supportive community. You can help by:
- Keeping an eye on people calling in the area or acting suspiciously
- Noting the registration numbers of vehicles parked in your area for a period of time
- Calling 0300 333 3000 to provide information to the police about suspicious people, activity or vehicles, however insignificant it may seem
- Encouraging vulnerable people not to open the door if they are not expecting or do not recognise the person. If they open the door, remind them to secure the door bar or chain first and check the caller’s identity carefully. If in doubt, keep them out!
- If a distraction burglary has taken place or been attempted, encourage the victim to report it as quickly as possible
- Calling on vulnerable people regularly. If it is not too much trouble, help them keep their front garden tidy and find reliable tradespeople for any maintenance work that really does need to be undertaken
If you require any further advice and guidance on how to prevent distraction burglaries, please contact your local crime risk manager.
The Knock Knock poster and Knock Knock leaflet are available as PDF files, click to download below:
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