Distraction burglary scheme will make Rugby ‘safe as houses’
Victims of distraction burglary in Rugby are benefiting from a scheme that is improving their home security and helping them feel safer in their homes.
The scheme, which is a joint initiative between Warwickshire County Council, Warwickshire Police and Rugby Borough Council, aims to secure at least 55 homes in the borough with the free fitting of new door locks, spy holes and door chains.
Home visits by Police Community Safety Officers to residents who have been the victim of distraction burglaries in the last 12 months have already taken place and now they are looking for other homes at risk, where they can offer help to improve security.
Warwickshire County Council’s Community Safety Team are co-ordinating the project and Rugby Borough Council have secured funding for it through the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, with all partners recognising the need to support victims of distraction burglary.
The fitting of locks and chains will be carried out by the Coventry and Warwickshire Community Safety Scheme.
Paul Collett, Community Safety Project Officer at Warwickshire County Council, said: “While thankfully quite uncommon, this type of offence has a serious effect on the victims. This scheme will hopefully help them to feel safer at home.
“We also want to raise the awareness of this type of offence. It is hard to catch the culprits, but with the right advice, it is easy to stop the offence from ever happening.
“The message is simple: when answering the door, Stop - think about who you are expecting; Lock - always lock your back door; Chain - always use a door chain or spy hole; and Check - always check ID cards.
“If you are unsure, don’t let them in. If they are from the utility companies, they should have contacted you beforehand in writing to let you know they were coming.”
If you know anyone who is vulnerable or at risk of becoming a victim then please contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team at Rugby Police station on 01788 541111 or via the website http://www.safer-neighbourhoods.co.uk to ask for a PCSO to visit. Places are limited and the most vulnerable will take priority.