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BROMLEY BOROUGH POLICE

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Burglary: Crime Prevention Advice

 

Burglars remain active throughout the year and there have recently been a spate of Distraction Burglaries throughout the borough whereby people have pretended to be Water Board Officials, Police Officers and even a pregnant woman needing a toilet in order to gain access to people's properties and steal from them.

Police are reminding residents:

 

Before opening your door, check who's calling and if someone calls who you do not recognise keep the door chain on. Remember that you are under no obligation to speak with any cold callers. If you are not happy, you do not need to open your door. "If in doubt, keep them out." Turn them away. That is your right. If you are at all suspicious of anyone, do not hesitate to call the Police via 999.

 

Check the caller's appearance and ask for identification, which should include a photo. Genuine utility workers will generally wear a uniform and drive a company-signed vehicle. There should be a number to call so that you can confirm the caller is genuine. Any legitimate caller or official will not mind waiting outside while you ring the number to check.

Many utility companies will have a verified password scheme. If you have registered for this scheme and the caller cannot give the password, do not let them in.

The safest place for your money is still in the bank. It's best not to keep large amounts of cash at home.

Superintendent Matt Bell from Bromley Police said "This is an evil crime. Cowardly and dishonest criminals deliberately ruin the lives of decent, honest and vulnerable people - people who have worked hard for what they have and who are in every sense the most undeserving of victims. Pretending to be from a utility is the most common technique that these callous thieves use to trick their way into peoples homes. We really need to get the message home to people, particularly the elderly who are the most likely targets, that they should never let anyone into their homes without being shown the correct identification. By following a few simple steps this despicable crime could so easily be avoided.

I would also ask people to keep an eye out for elderly or vulnerable neighbours and if you see anything suspicious or if you have had a dubious caller at your door, please report it to the police immediately. We need your help to ensure these criminals are brought to justice.

 

What are burglars looking for?

Burglars don't just target empty properties. Recently in Bromley we've had a spate of burglaries where people's car keys have been hooked through their letterboxes.

How can you deter burglars?

Stop letterbox burglaries by storing keys away from the front door. And take your keys upstairs with you when you go to bed.

Fit proper locks on windows and doors. And remember to use them.

Never leave a spare key concealed near the front door (burglars' know all the hiding places).

Install timers which switch lights or radios on and off automatically. If you go out after dark, draw the curtains and leave some lights on.

Don't label house keys, in case you lose them.

If you live in a flat don't let strangers in via the entry phone system.

Try and keep valuables out of sight from windows. That includes Christmas presents.

What if you're away over Christmas?

Cancel milk and newspapers.

Set your burglar alarm.

And if you don't have an alarm, invest in a dummy box.

Ask a friend, neighbour or relative to keep an eye on your property and clear the letterbox or doorstep.

If a neighbour or relative has a key ask them to draw the curtains and put lights on at night.

Encourage a neighbour to park in your drive.

For more information visit www.met.police.uk/crimeprevent