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I wanted to provide you an update regarding Personal theft (e.g. pick pocketing, no violence used), which some members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey. We at Carshalton Central Safer Neighbourhood team wanted to remind residents to be aware of distraction thefts.
People claiming to be builders, delivery drivers or officials from the utilities gives cover for suspicious behaviour – if someone is taking photos or loitering in front gardens, please do inform police.
We would rather attend with no further action than find out someone was seen but not reported when a crime has been committed.
If someone knocks on your door and asks you to check on something – perhaps a lost ball in the garden, then make sure they stay outside with the front door closed. If someone wants to gain entry to your property then they should expect to show you an ID – if in doubt, refuse entry and do not leave people unescorted. Utility staff should expect this so do not think you are being rude by asking to see an ID
Thieves will employ some sort of action in order to steal such as approaching you in public in an act of friendliness in order to distract you so that they or an accomplice can steal from your person (pick pocketing) or claim you have something on your clothing that they can help you clean off.
Criminals target cash withdrawals by distracting the user by saying something has been dropped and while your attention is elsewhere cash or cards are stolen.
Distraction criminals will often target the elderly, please do offer preventative advice to relatives and friends.
We receive a good number of reports from concerned residents about suspicious people knocking on doors or taking pictures, community awareness appears good but please continue to report these issues to us.
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