Warning After Long Crendon Distraction Burglary
THE third, in a series of distraction burglaries across the Aylesbury Vale district last Friday, September 21, occurred between 8.30pm and 8.50pm in Chearsley Road, Long Crendon.
Three offenders entered the house from the rear while the owner was next door. When the 90-year-old resident returned to the house the offenders walked out. As they did one of the offenders approached their neighbour stating there was a problem with the water and he entered their house. He left after a thorough look around.
Nothing was taken from the neighbour?s house, although a clock and cash was taken from the first house.
Det Con Andy Netting, from the Priority Crime Team, said: ?There is no reason why a stranger should ever come into your home. All agencies or utility companies should make an appointment and also use a password system. It is important to know that there is no such thing as the water board. In Buckinghamshire we use Thames Water and they rarely have to come into your home, even in an emergency.
?I would urge anyone with elderly or vulnerable relatives, neighbours or carers to check their home security and alert them to the dangers of opening the door to a stranger.
?Distraction burglars prey on the elderly and vulnerable. If you see people calling at houses and are suspicious of their intentions, I would urge you to contact police immediately.
?It is a good idea to have a chain or security bar on the front door, but it is still difficult to say ?no? to someone who is trying to get into your home. Many people are persuaded to take the chain off and let offenders in.
There are some simple rules to follow which will keep you much safer:
?Never open your door to a stranger. If someone comes to your door, use your intercom system, or shout through the door to see who is there.
?If the person is not expected, do not open your door. Tell them to make an appointment. If they say there is an emergency, check with the police.
?If the person is expected, put the chain on and then check ID if you are able to do that. If you do not have a chain, ask for ID to be put through the letterbox.
?Some offenders will not bother to ?trick? their way in if they find an insecure window or door. Make sure all your windows and doors can be easily locked and are locked whenever you leave the room. Padlock your side gate.
?If you are elderly and need any work done in your home or garden it is advisable to contact Age Concern to ask for advice. There are many ?bogus callers? who are offering to do work for people and it is difficult to check whether they are genuine.
If you are worried about your security, contact your local crime reduction office via the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Det Con Andy Netting, from the Priority Crime Team at Aylesbury police station, via the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you don?t want to talk to police and don?t want to leave your name call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
You can also give information to the police in person by visiting any police station. To find out the opening times and location of your local station please call 0845 8 505 505 or visit: www.thamesvalley.police.uk/bcu/buckinghamshire/bcu-info/stations.htm
More security advice can be found on the Thames Valley Police website at www.thamesvalley.police.uk/reduction/saferhomes/safehome/index.htm
