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Artifice Burglary

An incident of artifice burglary in Penge this week. Suspect informed victim that he worked for the water board and needed to check her taps. Initially she refused entry but he said he_d turn off her water supply. Stole £225 cash. The suspect is a white male approx.age of 45, 5_6_ tall, fat build short black hair wearing black waist length jacket & black trousers.

Bogus Callers

The police terminology for the crime committed by bogus callers is burglary artifice / distraction burglary, to enter as a trespasser and steal by trickery. However most people would use the term con man or woman. Such a simplistic term tends to distance them from the devastating effect this cowardly crime can have on the victim, who tends to be the more vulnerable and trusting member of society.

Listed below are some tips that may help you to recognise a potential bogus caller. Please make every effort to ensure that as many of the people you know, who do not receive this newsletter, aware of these tips.

Bogus Callers will:

·         Call unannounced

·         Usually work in pairs

·         They will not generally have any type of uniform or arrive in any official van

·         They will not be willing for you to study their identity (if they have any) , they will try to make you feel under pressure

·         If they gain entry into you home, one will stay with you whilst the other one will go to another part of the house

·         If they are working alone, then they will ask you to do something which separates you from them

Official Callers will:

·         Try and make an appointment where possible

·         They will have your personal details on record and will be able to write/_phone for an appointment

·         Will be only too happy for you to look at the ID they carry

·         Will wear a corporate uniform, and have an official van

·         Will understand if you do not let them in, and should not put you under pressure

·         If in the house, will only go to one point, eg., the gas or electric meter, kitchen stop cock

·         Will want you to stay with them

What you should do

STOP _ As soon as there is a knock on the door STOP and THINK. Who is it? Am I expecting anyone?

CHECK _ Do not let them in unless you are 100% sure they are who they say they are

CHAIN _ Make sure the door chain / bar is fitted

IF IN DOUBT, KEEP THEM OUT !!!

If you have a visit from anyone who you think is a bogus caller, or you see people down your road who might be preying on your neighbours, then ring 999, and take a description and details of any vehicles that might be involved. Anyone working officially will not mind being checked by the police.

Please check with your electricity and gas supplier to see if they operate a password system, whereby if one of their officials needs access to your home, they will quote you a pre arranged password, at the front door.

Thames Water Utilities Limited who supply our water and are responsible for all maintenance in our borough

DO NOT COLD CALL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES

In the event that essential / emergency work is to be carried out, and your water supply will be interrupted, a printed leaflet will be placed in your letterbox, detailing the works / emergency, and will include, if necessary, details of temporary water supplies such as your nearest standpipe.

BROMLEY BOROUGH POLICE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH INTELLIGENCE TASKINGS

Compiled by Bromley Borough Intelligence Unit

3rd February 2006

 

next newsletter will be 25/2/06 due to annual leave

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