Distraction burglaries
We have been experiencing problems in our area with distraction burglaries on the elderly. We have had six incidents in a week. The areas affected were King Street Knutsford, Dixon Drive Chelford, Broken Cross Macclesfield, Buckden Way Macclesfield, South Acre Drive Macclesfield and Jodrell Street Macclesfield.
I must stress how important it is to advise every elderly scheme member the
following:
- Do not answer the door if you are not expecting anyone.
- Most Official visitors will arrange an appointment prior to calling.
- If you are not expecting anyone, and you are alone, do not open the door but ask any visitors to call back when you have someone with you. Ask a friend, neighbour or family member for help.
- Never keep large amounts of cash in the house.
- Keep your front and back doors locked, even when at home. Never leave the door open during hot weather to let the warm air circulate.
- Before opening the front door to a caller always check the back door is locked and the key has been taken out of the lock. Look through the spyhole or the window to see who it is.
- If you decide to open the door, use a door chain.
- Always ask for identification.
- Never agree to any work being done or sign any paper until you have talked to a neighbour or family member.
- If you are suspiscious of any caller, inform the police. You could prevent another person from suffering crime. WE NEED TO KNOW WHO IS OPERATING IN THE AREA.
- The gas, water and electricity companies and some councils now operate a password system for older and more vulnerable customers. Customers give them a word which is confirdential to them and which will be used by the company representative when they call to confirm that they are legitimate.
Utility companies can be contacted to set these password up.
Homewatch members can help to catch these criminals. If elderly members receive callers, make a note of any vehicles ie. make, model, colour, registration numbers and report them to the police if you think something is a little suspiscious. You can always contact me with the details and I will pass them on through the Intelligence System. I stress that most people who call at your home will be genuine but sometimes people turn up unannounced with the intention of tricking their way into your house.
Descriptions of offenders from yesterday's (16 May) incidents are:
A tall, slim female with long mousey/blond hair wearing jeans and a light coloured coat with a facial piercing accompanied by a male with short dark curly hair wearing a navy top with writing on it.
In addition to the above, could you please look out for the following vehicles and advise police if you see them:
- A white Ford Transit 260 SWB panel van FH04 WRU
- A white Ford Transit Y543 ABA
- A white Dennis coach MX06 XFT
Thank you,
Jane Thirsk
Homewatch Manager, Cheshire Police
See also Operation Rogue Trader
