Police Issue Poster In Effort To Tackle Distraction Burglary
If in doubt keep them outFollowing two distraction burglaries and a number of reports about bogus officials calling at homes in Worcester, Evesham and Droitwich over the last two weeks, police are reminding people about their ‘Knock Knock' campaign.
A ‘cut out and keep' door poster is being issued as part of the campaign, which aims to raise awareness of and prevent distraction burglaries.
As older and vulnerable people are more likely to be victims of this type of crime, it is hoped that they or those close to them - such as neighbours, friends, relatives or support workers - will attach this poster to the inside glass of a door or front window in a bid to deter the burglars and remind potential victims not to open the door to anyone they do not know.
"Research shows that sadly, the average age of those targeted by distraction burglars is 78 and more than three quarters targeted are women," says Crime Risk Adviser for Worcestershire, Mike Stephenson. He adds: "Local communities, carers and neighbours can play an important role in helping us prevent these crimes and catch those responsible for them.
"As we've seen recently, criminals often claim to be from a utility company - the ‘water board' usually - and may be smartly dressed or in work clothes. They will then give the homeowner a task to do and while distracted, take money and any valuable items they can find.
"West Mercia Police is determined to crack down on people committing doorstep crime and we take all reports of this type of crime extremely seriously.
"I would urge people to cut out this poster and stick it in their door or window, or that of any vulnerable members of the community who it may be of use to.
"I also ask that members of the public keep an eye on vulnerable people in their neighbourhoods and report any suspicious activity they see to the police on 101."
For further information about preventing distraction burglaries and the Knock Knock campaign, please visit the force website at http://www.westmercia.police.uk/.
Available for download below is the ‘cut out and keep' version of the poster, which should be folded so the ‘No Callers Without An Appointment' shows through the glass on the outside of the door/window and the advice section can be seen by the homeowner on the inside.
Issued: Wednesday, 13 June 2012