Police warning after distraction burglaries in Milton Keynes

Thames Valley Police in Milton Keynes want to remind residents to be vigilant after four distraction burglaries on Friday (12/22010).

Between 2.45pm and 3.10pm, offenders gained entry to four properties; Carrington Road, Newport Pagnell; Milton Road, Willen and two properties in Gurney Close, Loughton. On each occasion they stated they were from the water board and asked the resident to check their water in the kitchen; either by running the taps or asking them to clear space under the kitchen sink. During this time one offender stayed with the victim and up to two other offenders entered the properties and searched the rooms for items to steal.

Two out of the four properties had hundreds of pounds in cash stolen. At the other two properties, nothing appears to be stolen.

The offenders are white men and it is believed all four burglaries were committed by the same offenders, but police are keeping an open mind.

Ed Allington, a Milton Keynes Crime Reduction Adviser, said: “There is no reason for a stranger to ever come into your home. All agencies or utility companies should make an appointment and use a password system. It is important to know that there is no such thing as the ‘water board’. In Milton Keynes we use Anglian Water and they rarely have to come into your home, even in an emergency.

“Opportunist offenders will make up any kind of story to try and get you to let them into your house. I would urge anyone with elderly or vulnerable relatives or neighbours to check their security awareness and alert them to the dangers of opening the door to a stranger.

“Distraction burglars prey on the elderly and vulnerable. If you see people calling at houses and are suspicious of their intentions, contact police immediately.

“It is a good idea to have a chain or security bar on the front door, but it is still difficult to say ‘no’ to someone who is trying to get into your home. Many people are persuaded to take the chain off and let offenders in. If in any doubt do not open the door”

There are some simple rules to follow which will keep you much safer:

Remember:

If your front doorbell rings, check that the back of your house is secure before going to your front door. If you are going to leave your back door open, it is vital to have a safety chain on it. Otherwise, always keep your back door locked. 

•Never open your door to a stranger. If someone comes to your door, use your intercom system, or shout through the door to see who is there.

•If the person is not expected, do not open your door. Tell them to make an appointment. If they say there is an emergency, check with the police.

•If the person is expected, put the chain on and then check their ID if you are able to do so. If you do not have a chain, ask for ID to be put through the letterbox.

•Some offenders will not bother to ‘trick’ their way in if they find an insecure window or door. Make sure all your windows and doors can be easily locked and are locked whenever you leave the room. Padlock your side gate.

•If you are elderly and need any work done in your home or garden it is advisable to contact Age Concern on 01908 557890 to ask for advice. There are many ‘bogus traders’ who are offering to do work for people and it is difficult to check whether they are genuine.

If you think you have been the victim of a ‘bogus trader’ or have information regarding such activity please contact the Council Trading Standards Department on 01908 252504.

If you are worried about your security, contact your local Crime Reduction office via the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Police Enquiry Centre via 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to talk to police and don’t want to leave your name call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

More security advice can be found on the Thames Valley Police website at www.thamesvalley.police.uk/reduction/saferhomes/safehome/index.htm  or visit the SaferMK website at http://www.safermk.com/  and follow the crime reduction link