Bracknell

A team of police officers was at work in the Bracknell area on Wednesday (13/06) on an operation to help elderly residents avoid becoming victims of distraction burglary.

The Bracknell team, led by Sgt Andy Shearwood, visited all 12 elderly or vulnerable residents who have been tricked into letting burglars into their homes in the last six months. They explained how people pretend to be from utilities companies, looking for odd jobs or even police officers in order to get into the homes of elderly and vulnerable people and steal property from them. The officers gave advice on how to prevent such burglaries.

The operation was mounted after a Bracknell offender returned to a house he had previously burgled and managed to persuade a 93-year-old woman that he was a police officer investigating the previous incident. Fortunately nothing was stolen.

The man called at the house in the Hanworth area of Bracknell between 8.30 and 9am on Monday (11/06). The woman let him in, but became suspicious and he left again via the front door. The man is 5ft 8ins, stocky, with dark hair and has a tanned complexion. He was wearing a sleeveless plastic-looking orange top over a navy uniform.

Acting Chief Inspector Simon Bowden, Bracknell LPA Commander said: “This piece of work was set up in immediate response to this incident and I sincerely hope the elderly residents that police spoke to will never be victims of distraction burglary again.

“Incidents of distraction burglary are rare, but they are despicable crimes and can be devastating to victims. These offenders prey on elderly and vulnerable people. I would urge anyone who has elderly relatives or neighbours to make sure they know and understand the crime prevention advice. It is important that people don’t fear crime but are aware enough to prevent it in the first place.”

Anyone who has witnessed a distraction burglary, and who has not yet spoken to police, is asked to contact the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or give your name, please call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police offer the following advice to prevent distraction burglaries:

•The ‘Water Board’ no longer exists. Genuine callers from utility companies will carry identification cards and are likely to be wearing uniforms and travelling in vehicles marked with the name of their company. Gas, water and electricity companies very rarely turn up without having previously made an appointment. If they do, call the company to check they are genuine before you let them in.

•Do not open the door if you are not expecting anyone.

•Always ask for identification – for example a police warrant card if the person says they are from the police. If you are suspicious, check them out by calling 08458 505 505

•Display a sign stating that you do not buy or sell items at the door.

•Above all, if you are suspicious of an unexpected caller, contact police immediately, giving as much detail about the person as possible. It may be that the same caller has caused concern elsewhere or will go on to burglar somebody else.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell