2 minute read
High Green distraction burglary
DETECTIVES investigating a distraction burglary in the High Green area of Sheffield in November last year have released an e-fit of a man they would like to identify.
At 2.15pm on Friday November 15, 2019, the 80-year-old victim was in his home when a man knocked on the door.
It’s understood that the man started to discuss the guttering of the pensioner’s home, and asked him to look at the rear of the property. The victim then led the man through the house.
At one point during the conversation, it’s believed the man was alone in the living room for a short time. Once the man had been asked to leave, the victim realised that money from the living room cabinet had gone missing.
Detectives have now been working with the victim and created an e-fit of the man we’d like to identify. Do you recognise him?
Please call 101 quoting investigation number 14/173140/19.
You can also report information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers via their website – www.crimestoppers-uk.org – or by calling their UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111.
Distraction burglary
Distraction burglary is when criminals call at your home posing as officials or asking for help with something. They make up a story to get in with the intention of stealing from you.
How distraction burglars operate
Some work alone, but often they work in groups of two or more. Usually one person will knock at your door with a convincing excuse that seems genuine or urgent
The talker will persuade you to let them into your home and keep you occupied whilst others sneak in and search for cash and valuables
They can be men, women or children and sometimes a combination, smartly or casually dressed
Common lies distraction burglars use…
“I’m from the waterboard, there’s a leak down the road I need to check your water supply.”
This will never be true. The phrase “waterboard” is no longer used by legitimate callers – only distraction burglars. Don’t open the door,even if they say
Check with your utility company before you let them in. You can call the freephone Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99 or your water company directly. You may also be able to join your utility provider’s password scheme.
Genuine police officers never do this. Don’t let them in. If you find someone already in your home who says they’re from the police, call the real police on 999 straight away
Protect yourself from distraction burglars.
Lock your back door and close windows before you answer the door.
Use a spy hole and chain to check who the caller is before you answer.
Ask to see the caller’s ID, even if they have made an appointment to see you, and call their company yourself (not on a number they provide) to check they are genuine
Never leave the door open and unattended - close it until you return.
Ask the caller to return another time when someone can be with you.
