Distraction burglars pose as police officer, Neighbourhood Watch coordinator and Water Board man in Rugby to gain entry to people's homes
Recent distraction burglaries in Rugby have highlighted the need for householders in Rugby to be particularly suspicious of unsolicited callers. Offenders pretending to be from utility companies, Neighbourhood Watch and even police CID have tricked their way into houses and stolen valuables including cash.
Distraction burglar poses as police officer, Rugby (Artist's impression available)
Incident 488 of 11 February 2006: Police are warning homeowners to verify the identity of any cold callers after a man called at a property in Fosterd Road, Rugby at approximately 17.15 hours on Saturday 11 February claiming to be a police officer from the local CID.
After ringing the bell, the door was answered and the man presented an identity card to prove his identity. The card did not look authentic to the informant so she did not let him in. He continued to talk to the occupant and eventually persuaded her to let him in by insisting he was from the local police CID and he produced a mobile phone saying the person on the other end of the line was his sergeant. The occupant continued to challenge his identity and he eventually left. Nothing was stolen during the incident.
The male is described as a white male, aged approximately 25-30 years old, thin scrawny build, approximately 5'6" tall with short brown hair possibly parted to one side. He was wearing a black Cromby style overcoat, which went down to his knees and a blue open neck shirt underneath, dark coloured trousers and shoes of an unknown colour.
No vehicle was seen.
DC Matt Humphris who is of Rugby CID said
"We would urge householders to follow the doorstep code. If someone claiming to be a police officer knocks on your door, ask to see their identity which should include a photo. Use your own phone book to find the telephone number of the local police station and phone the enquiry desk to check the details of the officer on your doorstep."
"Unfortunately, there are a few unscrupulous individuals who will use whatever method they can to gain entry to your property to steal from you. If in any doubt do not let the person in."
Distraction Burglar poses as member of Neighbourhood Watch (Artist's impression available)
Incident 482 of 31 January 2006: At 1900hrs Tuesday 31 January 2006 unknown offenders entered an insecure back door of a property in Vere Road, Hillmorton, Rugby.
They went straight to the victim who was sat watching television in the front room and said they were from Neighbourhood Watch and that there was a burglar in the house. The victim and the offender went upstairs to find noone there. Whilst upstairs, the male asked where the victim kept his money, pointing at various drawers. The victim said he kept his money in his wallet and told him where it was. Another male then came upstairs also claiming to be from Neighbourhood Watch and asked where the victim kept his money. They left at around 1930 hours saying they would phone police on the victim's behalf. The offenders stole cash.
The first male is described as aged approximately 19 years old, white, slim build and wearing dark clothing. The second male is described as aged approx 40 years old, white, and stocky build.
Any witnesses are please asked to contact DC 290 Matt Haden at Rugby Police Station on 01788 541111 x 3785 or voicemail 10290 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
Distraction burglar poses as being from Water Board (Artist's impression available)
Incident 483 of 11 February 2006: At 17.54 hours on 11 February, police were called after a distraction burglary in Frederick Press Way, Rugby. The offender entered the hallway of the victim's flat. When he was confronted he said he was from the water board and that there was a water leak in the block of flats next door. The male went into the kitchen and looked under the lady's sink pretending to fiddle with water pipes. The female victim said she was going to speak to someone else about this and the male made an excuse and left the premises.
He is described as a white male, 5'8" tall, slim build, dark brown hair, aged in his early 20's and wearing a knee length dark duffle type coat. It's believed the offender was wearing gloves.
The victim noticed her handbag had been moved. Nothing was stolen.
Any witnesses are please asked to contact OIC PC 1595 Heidi Twynholm at Rugby Police Station on 01788 541111 voicemail 11595 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
Crime Prevention Officer PC Neill MacKenzie said
"These offenders tend to prey on the elderly and vulnerable and usually have a plausible excuse for knocking on the door. I strongly recommend that door chains or bars are applied before opening the door to callers and that nobody is ever allowed into the home unless it can be established they are genuine."
Police are reminding householders of the DOORSTEP CODE
The Northern Area Community Safety Department have produced a "Nominated Neighbour" notice which is available free from all the enquiry desks at all Warwickshire Police Stations. The card is held up at the window when uninvited callers come to your house and tels them that you do not open the door to strangers and advises them to contact your nominated neighbour who will go through the necessary checks before returning with them to your home.
Detailed information and advice that can be used to prevent the elderly becoming a victim of this type of crime, including the nominated neighbour card, is available free of charge by contacting PC Neill MacKenzie at Rugby Police Station or by telephoning 01788 541111 x3797.
