Kings Langley Neighbourhood Watch

Distraction burglary is any crime where a falsehood, trick or distraction is used to gain access to a property to commit burglary.

Victims of distraction burglary can suffer terribly both emotionally and physically.

Did you know…?

The average age of a victim of distraction burglary is 81-years-old.

Crime prevention advice – Distraction burglary:

• If you’re not sure who is at your door, don’t open it. Check the identity of the caller by calling the company they are purporting to be from i.e. gas, electricity, water, police. Use the telephone numbers listed in your local directory or provided independently by your service provider – Do not use any telephone numbers provided by the caller – they may be bogus.
• Telephone a neighbour or friend nearby to come along and check out the caller before you open the door to them. Some areas in the country have “nominated neighbour schemes” you can sign up to. Check with your local police to find out if there is one in your area.
• Many service providers provide password schemes, sign up to these. When unannounced callers knock at your door they should know the password if they are genuine.
• The “Waterboard” no longer exists, it is an obsolete phrase used only by bogus callers.
• Don’t keep large quantities of cash at home; put it in the bank where it is safe.
• Keep doors locked and windows secure at all times.
• Ensure that if you do let somebody in to your home, that you close the door behind them – distraction burglars often work in teams, where one will distract you whilst others sneak in through the insecure door.
• If somebody asks for your help – needs to make a telephone call, lost a ball in your garden, needs a drink or pen and paper for example, refer them to a younger neighbour or assist them through a closed door. Alternatively, call a friend or neighbour to come and assist.

Not sure? Don’t open the door.

If you see a potential Distraction Burglary in progress or suspect the callers may not be who they say they are then phone the police immediately using the 999 system. Try to make a note the descriptions of individuals if possible and of course make a note of their vehicle registration number, colour, make etc., if at all possible .

source:  Crimestoppers  0800 555 111

image source: Crime Prevention Products

Yesterday evening, Tuesday 31st January, between 6.40pm and 7.30pm, two burglaries were committed in the Boxmoor area of Hemel Hempstead.

In the first offence an elderly female resident of Moorlands Road, disturbed a male offender who had entered her house and stolen a purse and it’s contents. This was around 6.40pm. She did not see the suspect and no description is available.

A short while later, the same evening, between 7.15pm and 7.35pm a house in Gravel Lane was burgled after the resident left the house for a short period of time.

A lap top computer and other items of value were stolen.

If you saw or heard anything concerning these offences phone the Police using the 101 phone number or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Between 19.15 and 19.25 on Thursday 26/1/12 an attempted burglary was made in Meadow Way, Kings Langley by 3 males. The home owner challenged them and they made off in an unknown direction. 2 of the offenders are described as being white males dressed in black.

If you saw or heard anything concerning this offence phone the Police using the 101 number or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. Please quote the crime Number D1/12/588 when calling

Between 09.00 & 16.00 on Friday 13/1/12 a silver Ford Fiesta car had a tyre punctured by an unknown sharp object whist parked in Rockcliffe Ave.

If you saw or heard anything concerning this offence phone the Police using the 101 number or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. Please quote the crime Number D1/12/468 when calling.

Residents and road users have been having problems with car damage in this road for at least 2 years. The suspicion is it might actually be a miffed Rockliffe Avenue or Avenue Approach resident who somehow thinks students and commuters who park in Rockliffe Avenue during the weekdays shouldn’t be there, but they can be there as that like any other road in these parts is a road for which we all pay road tax and insure our cars to use. If you know the person then maybe you should think about letting the police know. (added by website editor)

Please be aware that recently there has been a number of incidents in Dacorum where a male has been knocking on doors under the pretence of doing some work within a neighbours garden and states that he will need access to your garden to finish the job, this male has also offered to do work to trees within the front garden stating that they are dead.

The male has been described as a white male who is 1.6 meters tall (5′ 3″) of large build, wearing a hat and casual jacket and has a distinct Irish accent.

If a male matching this description attends your address please contact Hertfordshire Police on 101. Remember never allow people access to your address without a prior appointment.

(added via iPhone)