Burglary

Good Afternoon Residents,

There’s been a distraction burglary in St Lawrence Court, De Beauvoir Estate N1 where four males have targeted an elderly resident. Thankfully they have not got away with anything and there were no injuries. If you are not expecting anyone then please do not answer your door, always have your front door chain on before opening the door. Please look out for each other, if you suspect anyone paying attention to a property, please call 999. 

What are distraction burglars?

Distraction burglars normally work in pairs. Their aim is to distract you and trick their way into your home to steal your money or valuables.

They may call at your door posing as officials, claiming to be from the council, police, market researchers, health carers, gas, water, electricity, phone or TV companies. Others may try a tactic of taking advantage of your good nature by saying they are collecting for charity, or they need something from your house such as water for their car, a pen and paper to leave a note for a neighbour, they want to retrieve a ball that has gone in your garden, or need to use your phone.

They can also use a tactic of feigning urgency and panic - a typical ploy is where they say something like "we're from the Water Board; there is a burst pipe in the street and we need to come in and switch your water off immediately."

They may be very convincing, charming and persuasive. They can be young, old, male or female or even young children. They can appear official and may be smartly dressed with uniforms, official looking paperwork and fake ID's.

Elderly and vulnerable people, who are more trusting and often frail, are the main target of these despicable and cowardly criminals, and the consequences can be devastating for the victim and their families. Victims can become withdrawn, their health can deteriorate and in some very sad cases they never recover from their ordeal. Older people should be allowed to live in peace without suffering the distress which these people cause.