North Yorkshire Police are appealing for information following a distraction burglary in Scarborough.
It happened at approximately 3pm on Friday 18 October on Redcliffe Road when two men suggested they needed to carry out checks on the water at the property. The elderly resident then discovered items had been removed and they had been the victim of a distraction burglary.
Officers say:
"Please contact us if you have had these men visit your address on or around Friday 18 October, particularly if you have any CCTV footage of them. The men are believed to have attended the area in a Black Audi A4 Estate with a set of ladders on the roof.
Please email James.Temple@northyorkshire.police.uk if you have any information that could help our investigation.
Alternatively, you can call North Yorkshire Police on 101, and ask for James Temple, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.
Please quote reference 12240190261 when passing on information."
Distraction burglars often prey on the vulnerable and pretend to be someone they are not to gain entry to your home.
Common methods used by distraction burglars are:
- pretending to be from a care agency, the council or a utility company investigating a gas or water leak
- seeking help to leave a note for a neighbour or even asking for a drink of water if they claim to be thirsty or unwell
- claiming to be in a hurry or emergency and needing to get into your home quickly
- working in teams, with one person distracting you while the other searches your home
There are a number of things you can do to prevent distraction burglary. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about anyone at your door – genuine callers won’t mind. Always remember 'if in doubt, keep them out':
- use your door viewer to see who’s there
- if you open the door put the chain on first
- always ask for ID and check it with the company before letting somebody into your home
- use the phone number advertised in the phone book or online, as the number on their identity card could be fake. For a utility company, call the customer service department. Close the door while you do this
- if you feel at all unsure, schedule a time for the caller to come back when a friend or relative is there
- for pre-planned appointments with utility companies, a password scheme can be set up
If you feel threatened or in danger by the presence of the caller, call 999.
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