Residents urged to be on their guard following spate of distraction burglaries < Fleet News

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Fleet Town > Fleet News > Residents urged to be on their guard following spate of distraction burglaries

Residents urged to be on their guard following spate of distraction burglaries

12th July 2007

Detectives from the Priority Crime Unit are warning residents to check the identity of any unexpected callers following a series of distraction burglaries in the area on Wednesday, July 11.

The first two incidents occurred at addresses in Crown Crescent, Old Basing. At approximately 6pm, two men entered the victim's address and told the elderly woman they had found some money and wanted to check the serial numbers with her cash to see if it belonged to her. The victim showed the men where she kept her money, but became suspicious and called out to her neighbours. Both men ran off.

Around 6.40pm, an elderly woman noticed two men wearing suits standing against her gate. She went to the front door and challenged them. They said they were cutting trees and asked if she wanted her's done.

The third incident occurred in Pemerton Road, Basingstoke at approximately 6.40pm. The occupant heard someone trying her front door handle and opened the door. She saw three men smartly dressed by her neighbour's address and challenged them. One of the men told her in an Irish accent that they were looking for work.

The fourth incident occurred between 6.15pm and 8pm at an address in Southdown Road, Tadley. The elderly woman was sat in her dining room when she became aware of two men who had entered the room. She challenged them and attempted to phone the police. The men ran off.

The last incident happened between 7 and 8pm at an address in Castle Rise, Hook. A man came to the door of elderly occupants and said he needed to enter due to a water problem in the road. The man was let in and kept the elderly couple occupied in the kitchen while a second man entered through the front door and stole money from upstairs. Both offenders ran off.

Detective Sergeant Lee McClellan, from the Priority Crime Unit, said: “Any genuine employee of an organisation, whether in uniform or not, will always show you their identification card and will be happy for you to check it.

“If you have any concerns about a caller to your door, do not let them in and call the police immediately on 999.

“Although distraction burglaries are relatively rare, these incidents can have a huge effect on the victims and can leave them feeling extremely distressed.

“I would urge anyone with any information to contact police. I would also urge members of the community to keep an eye on any elderly and vulnerable neighbours and report any suspicious callers.”

Officers are offering the following Safer Homes advice to avoid becoming a victim of this sort of crime:

Burglars can fool you into thinking they are genuine callers. Don't be the one who invites them in. If in doubt, keep them out!

Stop – are you expecting anyone to call on you? Do you know the person at the door? Don't be misled by what appear to be genuine reasons for calling on you.
Check – A genuine caller will carry identification and will be happy to wait outside while you check it. Remember to source your own number for the company they are claiming to be from, don't accept a number from the caller.
Chain – fit a door chain or spy hole so that you can speak to callers or check who they are without opening the door fully. If you turn anyone away from your home because they could not provide you with a genuine reason for being there, or you are suspicious of callers in your area, contact the police.


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