RENEWED APPEAL AFTER RECENT SPATE OF DISTRACTION BURGLARIES


POLICE are renewing their appeal for assistance following more reports of distraction burglaries in the county, which are believed to be linked, and are asking members of the public to pass on safety advice to their elderly relatives and neighbours.

So far, nine people in the county have been targeted by a male and female team who are conning their way into the homes of elderly people, between the ages of 70 and 90, who are living alone.

The majority of offences have taken place between 5pm and 7pm and it is thought the pair could be travelling in a white van, black 4x4 or a large dark coloured vehicle. Officers believe the offences could be linked to offences in other counties.

Two methods are being used to gain access to the victims' homes in order to steal. The first involves a girl or woman who claims she has injured her hand or wrist and needs assistance. The second reported method involves a girl or woman asking to borrow a pen and paper to write a note to her relative who lives in the street. Whilst the victim is being distracted in one area of the house, the man enters the property to carry out a search and in the majority of cases has left with a quantity of cash.

Reported incidents so far include:
- 8.30pm on Saturday, 11 December, at the home of a woman in her late 60s in a road close to Mutton Lane and Barnet Road, Potters Bar
- 6.30pm on Friday, 31 December in the house of woman in her early 70s in Harpenden Road, St Albans
- 6pm on Wednesday evening (January 5) in the home of a woman in her 90s in the area of St Albans Road, St Albans
- 6.15pm on Wednesday evening (January 5) in the home of a woman in her late 80s in the area of Sandridge Road, St Albans
- 12pm midday on Thursday (January 6) at the home of a man in his late 80s in the Bengeo area of Hertford
- 1pm on Thursday (January 6) an attempted distraction burglary at the home of a woman in her 70s in the Presdales area of Ware. The woman refused to let them in.
- 5.15pm on Thursday (January 6) at the home of a woman in her late 80s in the Bennetts End area of Hemel Hempstead
- 6pm on Thursday (January 6) at the home of a man in his late 80s in The Camp area of St Albans
- 7pm on Thursday (January 6) at the home of a woman in her early 80s, also in The Camp area of St Albans (attempted distraction burglary)

Detective Inspector Gerry McDonald said: “These are cowardly individuals targeting the elderly and vulnerable people in our communities. We are treating all of these incidents as linked due to the descriptions of the offenders and the methods they are using. We have a specialist team of officers investigating these burglaries and we will leave no stone unturned in tracking the offenders down.

“In the meantime I would urge people to be extra vigilant and urge people to remind their older friends and relatives not to open the door to anyone they are not expecting, even if they claim they are injured.

“I would reassure people that full support is being given to the victims and that distraction burglary incidents are drastically reducing in Hertfordshire, with incidents falling by a third this year. However, these incidents do serve as examples where offenders will take advantage of a victim's kindness to gain entry to their house and subsequently steal from them which is why people need to take note of safety advice.”

Hertfordshire Constabulary gives the following advice to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of distraction burglary:

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. Try to communicate with the caller without opening the door and ask them to return at a time when you have someone you trust with you.

If you are expecting a caller - If a person you are expecting comes at the time you have arranged, ask to see their identification before you let them in.

Never keep large amounts of cash at home. Put your money in an account where it is safe.

Call 999 if you suspect a crime is in progress or you believe someone is acting suspiciously around your neighbour's property.

January 2011