General Crime Prevention Advice

General Crime Prevention Advice

Keep burglars out of your property

Burglars will use a variety of ways to avoid being noticed. They don’t want to be seen or heard by a neighbour or passer-by because they will feel exposed and identifiable. Distraction burglars will pretend to be someone they are not, so it’s important you are aware of the common methods they will use to get you to let them into your property. Here’s some useful advice, firstly on helping to keep burglars out by giving them no hiding place and, secondly, on how to prevent a distraction burglary.

Keep it visible

You’d think that it would be best to make a property less visible from the street, and to keep it hidden from prying eyes behind overgrown bushes, trees, high fences or walls. In reality, all that this serves to do is make it easier for a burglar to get close to a home unnoticed, and provide somewhere to hide while carrying out a burglary or theft from the property.

Common methods used by distraction burglars

pretending to be from a care agency, the council or a utility company investigating a gas or water leak

seeking help to leave a note for a neighbour or even asking for a drink of water if they claim to be thirsty or unwell

claiming to be in a hurry or emergency and needing to get into your home quickly

working in teams, with one person distracting you while the other searches your home

How to prevent it

There are a number of things you can do to prevent distraction burglary. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about anyone at your door – genuine callers won’t mind. Always remember 'if in doubt, keep them out':

use your door viewer to see who’s there

if you open the door put the chain on first

always ask for ID and check it with the company before letting somebody into your home

Use the phone number advertised in the phone book or online, as the number on their identity card could be fake. For a utility company, call the customer service department. Close the door while you do this

if you feel at all unsure, schedule a time for the caller to come back when a friend or relative is there

for pre-planned appointments with utility companies, a password scheme can be set up

If you feel threatened or in danger by the presence of the caller, call 999.

For More Information please visit website:

https://www.met.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/protect-home-crime/keep-burglars-out-property/

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Message Sent By
Lloyd Coelho
(Metropolitan Police, PCSO, Hanworth Park)