Residents warned to be on their guard
Warwickshire County Council’s Community Safety team is urging residents to guard against distraction burglary.
It follows a number of recent incidents in towns and villages in south Warwickshire, where the homes of elderly residents have been targeted.
In a number of recently reported incidents, the burglars distracted residents by claiming that they needed to check their water supplies, before searching their homes and stealing cash.
Julie Sullivan, Warwickshire County Council’s Corporate Community Safety Manager, said: “These are awful incidents and prime examples of what lengths distraction burglars are set to go to, to get into your house.
“Distraction burglars are opportunists who prey on the susceptible, which is why we would advise people to take additional care when answering the door.
“The best approach is to make sure that you stop, chain and check the identity of the individual who is calling before you allow them into your house.
"Distraction burglary is a cowardly offence but it is one that can be stamped out if individuals follow these few easy steps.”
Warwickshire County Council’s Community Safety team is involved in a number of schemes across the county aimed at deterring distraction burglars.
Julie Sullivan said: “Cards that you can place in your window, showing that you do not buy from doorstep traders, are available from your local Police station.
"The cards also have the contact details of local suppliers such as Severn Trent and BT on the back, so you can phone and check a caller’s ID if you’re not sure.”