Most wanted distraction burglaries

Crime Stoppers and the police have launched a national campaign to highlight and seek information about their 10 most wanted distraction burglars.

The attached press release includes information about the campaign and offers a link to the Crime Stoppers website where you can view the 10 most wanted list. Having looked at the list there are 2 offenders who are of interest nationally and another 2 who are listed as residing in Cheshire.



The police and crime-fighting charity, Crimestoppers, are today launching a list of the 10 ‘Most Wanted’ people sought in connection with distraction burglaries.
Three of last year’s 10 ‘Most Wanted’ received prison sentences, which highlights the value of the campaign. By raising the profile of the individuals, valuable information was brought forward leading to successful prosecutions.
The campaign will also warn the public to be careful about who they let into their homes especially as it approaches February, a time of year when burglaries traditionally peak. Distraction burglars trick their way in to the houses of the elderly and vulnerable, by pretending to be a type of official or asking for assistance.
Operation Liberal is a national police unit that provides a countrywide overview of distraction burglary crime and supports force’s investigations into distraction burglaries.
The 10 ‘Most Wanted’ individuals are featured on Crimestoppers Most Wanted site: www.crimestoppers-uk.org/wanted.
1
Dave Cording, Director of Operations at Crimestoppers, said: “Distraction burglars target the most vulnerable members of our communities, often the elderly. It is not simply the financial loss, but the effect this type of crime has on the victim, chipping away at their independence and their peace of mind.
“Cash is stolen by using a variety of different distraction tactics. The individuals highlighted prey on older people who may be at risk and need to be brought to justice.
“If you have any information on these most wanted individuals, please contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously, or fill in an online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org, we guarantee that no one will know your identity.”
Deputy Chief Constable for the East Midlands and Association of Chief Police Officers lead for Operation Liberal, Peter Goodman, said: “Operation Liberal works with all UK police forces to target and catch those who prey on the elderly and vulnerable.
“While distraction burglary isn’t a common crime, it often has a totally devastating effect on the victims. In addition to tracing the whereabouts of the 10 ‘Most Wanted’ distraction burglars, the campaign aims to raise awareness so people can prevent themselves from being deceived by these callous individuals. Our message is: if you’re not sure who is calling, then don’t open the door.
“Members of the public can help assist by reporting suspicious behaviour to the police or by contacting Crimestoppers, who will treat your call anonymously.”
-ENDS-
2
Crime Prevention Advice
A few tips to keep you safe:
• If you’re not sure who is at your door, don’t open it. Check the identity of the caller by calling the company they are purporting to be from ie. Gas, Electricity, Water and Police. Use the telephone numbers listed in your local directory or provided independently by your service provider. Do not use any telephone numbers provided by the caller, they may be bogus.
• Telephone a neighbour or friend nearby to come along and check out the caller before you open the door to them.
• Some areas in the country have Neighbourhood Watch or Nominated Neighbour Schemes you can sign up to. Check with your local police Safer Neighbourhood Team to find out if there is one in your area.
• Many utility service providers like Gas, Electricity and Water, provide password schemes or hotline numbers for customers to call, to check the identity of callers before opening the door. Speak to your utility provider.
• Don’t keep large quantities of cash at home.
• Keep doors locked and windows secure at all times. Only put the door chain on to answer the door.
• If somebody asks for your help, needs to make a telephone call, has lost a ball in your garden, needs a drink or request a pen and paper for example, refer them to a younger neighbour or assist them through a closed door. Or call a friend or neighbour to come and assist.
• If you suspect a bogus caller has visited you, even if you didn’t let them in, call the police straight away. We need to know!
3