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I wanted to provide you with an update regarding burglary, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey. Artifice Burglary form of words
The police are investigating three burglaries which have been committed in Barnet with a similar method. So far they have targeted addresses with elderly occupants, but we are encouraging all residents to be vigilant to this particular type of burglary.
The offenders are:
• Asking to check water quality or a water leak
• They will appear presentable and have good quality spoken English
• Will say they are from a reputable organisation such as the council or waterboard
• May produce an ID Lanyard or laminated sheet of paper
• Will take you to your kitchen and run a tap leaving the front door insecure
• May have previously visited to suggest an inspection
If anyone attends your home address unsolicited –
• Keep your door closed and speak to them through the door/remote doorbell
• Find a number either on the internet or phonebook for the company they are claiming to be from
• Call and verify their ID using that method
• If in doubt call 101, or 999 if that person is still at your door
• Do not let anyone into your house if you are unsure who they are
• If a police officer attends your house you can call 101 to verify their ID
 While we will continue to pursue burglars in the area, there are steps you can do to help keep your property safe. Make sure that you: Double lock your door every time you leave the house If you can, move garden furniture or bins away from windows so that thieves cannot use them to gain access. Use laminated glass or security film on ground floor and accessible windows. Use a sash stop if you have sash windows to prevent people opening them enough to climb through. If your windows open outwards, use a key operated lock – check these are locked before leaving the house. Make sure all valuables are out of sight. Keep handbags and keys away from letterboxes or cat flaps. In the evening shut the curtains and leave lights on. Set your burglar alarm Lock your shed or garage Mark, register or record your valuables.
Please go to our website to find the latest advice and guidance on keeping yourself safe. If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.met.police.uk/, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. Get Involved Please consider getting involved and contribute to the local priority survey, we may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on. Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 
Please click here to complete the survey
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