West Mercia Supports National Distraction Burglary Campaign

Burglars who trick their way into houses and target the elderly and vulnerable are the targets of a national police campaign that starts today (5 March 2010) and which is being backed by West Mercia Police.

‘Not sure? Don't open the door!' is the message at the heart of Operation Liberal's public awareness campaign against distraction burglars. The campaign, sponsored by the Energy Retail Association (ERA), aims to make people aware of the tactics used by distraction burglars and how they can prevent themselves from becoming potential victims.

A distraction burglary is defined as where one or more offenders trick or distract an occupant in order to gain entry to the premises before committing burglary.

The West Mercia region (Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Worcestershire) thankfully sees a low number of this kind of crime, but Force Crime Manager Detective Superintendent Steve Cullen believes a few are still a few too many.

He says: "While the numbers of distraction burglaries are thankfully down, the risk to vulnerable victims remains high. These crimes are distasteful and can have a devastating impact on the lives of victims and their families and friends. We are doing all we can, but we need the support of our communities we police. 

Not Sure?  Don't Open The Door!

"We ask local people to be our eyes and ears, particularly where vulnerable people live, such as sheltered housing complexes. Any ‘cold calling', suspicious activity, unusual behaviour or strange vehicles should be reported and we will always do our very best to respond.    

"We would also urge older people - and their friends, families, neighbours and carers - to be aware of the simple advice promoted in the Op Liberal campaign to keep themselves safe: it really can be as simple as ‘Not sure? Don't open the door!' 

"We ask local people to be our eyes and ears, particularly where vulnerable people live, such as sheltered housing complexes. Any ‘cold calling', suspicious activity, unusual behaviour or strange vehicles should be reported and we will always do our very best to respond."

Detective Superintendent Steve Cullen

"Meanwhile we will rigorously investigate any suspicious incident or crime of this nature to the highest possible standards. Through Operation Liberal we will continue to work closely with colleagues from other forces and other agencies to identify and take the strongest possible action against those who prey on the some of the most vulnerable members of our community." 

Deputy Chief Constable Peter Goodman, who is the Association of Chief Police Officer's Lead for Operation Liberal says: "This type of crime is despicable; victims of distraction burglary can suffer terribly both emotionally and physically. When you consider the average age of a victim is 81 years old, you can understand why many suffer a decline in health afterwards and why it can seriously affect their trust and faith in people afterwards.

"In 2009 between 1January and 31 December, there were 8,057 distraction burglary offences reported to police across England and Wales, which is a 13 per cent reduction compared with 9223 reported offences during 2008. This campaign aims to reduce the number of potential victims still further, ensuring the public are equipped with crime prevention advice. "

Home Office Minister Alan Campbell, who is supporting the campaign, says: "Burglary has fallen 54 per cent since 1997 and we are determined to take action against those who prey on the most vulnerable members of our community, which is why we have taken action with a £15 million package of support. Most recently we launched a national campaign providing simple practical advice on how to deal with bogus callers.

"But it is vital people remember to check the identity of any stranger who calls at their home, genuine callers will not mind waiting. Help and support is available from the police, local authorities, and utility companies so please make sure you use it."

Operation Liberal is a national unit that analyses intelligence and maintains a database of crimes, offenders, vehicles, forensic information and images. This collaborative approach solves more crimes and leads to heavier sentences for criminals.  Operation Liberal works with many partner agencies including the Home Office, Water UK, Trading Standards, Crimestoppers and the Energy Retail Association who represent Great Britain's major electricity and gas suppliers - many distraction burglars pretend to be utility workers to gain entry to people's homes.

Julian Anderton, Head of Operations for the Energy Retail Association comments: "Distraction burglary is an abhorrent crime, and the energy industry is committed to supporting Operation Liberal - to educate communities and support victims of this crime. Everyone has the right to feel safe, and to know that callers to their home are legitimate.

"By calling the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99, elderly residents can ask about joining their energy supplier's Priority Service Register, and sign up to the Password Scheme which will help households identify legitimate visitors from their energy supplier."

Issued: Friday 5 March 2010