| DON'T FALL
FOR ‘WATER BOARD' CON
DETECTIVES are urging people not to fall prey to distraction
burglars after a spate of incidents recently, where
the offenders have claimed to be from the ‘water board'.
The offenders are conning their way into the properties
of older people by claiming that they need to gain
access to the property because they are investigating
a water leak. The offenders usually operate in twos;
one will distract the victim whilst the second carries
out a search of their property.
Eight incidents have occurred across the county in
the past month.
Investigator Julie Fewings, from Operation Manhunt,
Hertfordshire Constabulary's team dedicated to catching
distraction burglars, said: “This is a classic method
used by offenders to gain access to a person's property,
particularly at this time of the year. Water Boards'
no longer exist, it is an obsolete phrase used only
by these criminals.
“However these criminals will use any guise and my
advice would be not to let anyone into your property
if you are not expecting them.
“They usually prey on older people because they tend
to be very trusting and are inclined to open the door
because they feel there is an emergency. If you do
get a call which you believe is suspicious contact
police immediately.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on
the non-emergency number 0845 33 00 222 or Crimestoppers,
an independent charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Hertfordshire Constabulary gives the following advice
to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of distraction
burglary, or bogus callers:
• Rule One: If a stranger calls – Not sure? Don't
open the door!
If you are not expecting anyone and you don't recognise
them, don't let them into your home. Be aware, bogus
callers can be very convincing and will often pretend
to be representing a utility company; a genuine caller
won't mind coming back at a time when you can arrange
to have somebody you trust with you.
• Rule Two: If you are expecting a caller:
Only open your door when you are happy that you know
the person. If you can't see who is calling and need
to open the door, use your door chain and ask for
identification or a pre-arranged password before you
let them in.
• Rule Three: Never keep large amounts of cash at
home
If you ensure that large amounts of money are securely
in a bank or building society account and any valuable
jewellery is safely and discretely locked away then,
even if a criminal cons their way into your home,
there is nothing of value for them to steal.
July 2010
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