Not Sure..don't open the door!

Note from Harriette: Crooks are taking advantage of the elderly and continually targeting them.  I'd like everyone to be aware and to encourage friends and relatives to use chains, keep bags and purses out of sight and be aware that for any job over £100 they should have a written quote and are allowed a 7 day cooling off period. 

Doorstep crooks' tricks change with the season

Police are warning householders that distraction burglars – criminals who talk their way into homes to steal – change their tricks for the darker nights.

PC Andy Williams, who co-ordinates intelligence about distraction burglars for Avon and Somerset Constabulary, said he has seen a seasonal trend: "At this time of year burglars break into homes through windows and back doors, only coming out with their story when they are challenged.

"Intruders have claimed to be from the police, security officers or well-meaning neighbours chasing burglary suspects."

PC Williams said just last week an elderly couple had cash stolen by intruders claiming to be CID officers, while on Wednesday an elderly lady had a significant amount of money taken by burglars pretending to be security men.

He said: "These burglars' usual ruse is to call claiming to be from the water board or with some other story. They either talk their way in or keep the householder at the door long enough for an accomplice to sneak in to steal.

"They have changed their tactics because vulnerable people are taking heed of the simple security message 'unsure? don't open the door' and are even less likely to open up to a stranger in the darker evenings."

PC Williams urged the friends, neighbours and family of vulnerable members of our community to call police immediately if they see any unusual visitors or suspicious activity.

He added: "It's vital to call police at once if you've been burgled or found someone in hour home. We've done well capturing offenders when victims have dialled 999 immediately after being targeted by burglars. Don't delay – call straight away."

Police say that by taking simple security steps householders can defeat doorstep crooks – the number of distraction burglaries has dropped by a third on last year. .

PC Williams advised: "If in doubt, keep them out. Always keep back doors and windows secured and use the door chain so you can ask for identification before letting anyone in. Don't worry about seeming rude – genuine callers expect to be asked for their ID."

Anyone who turns away a suspicious caller should immediately call the police on 0845 456 7000.

More information on how to combat doorstep crooks is available from the police website www.avonandsomerset.police.uk.

The police website also offers information on the Bobby van scheme which provides a home security check and improvements for vulnerable people.

If you have any information about those responsible for distraction burglary you can call the independent Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111, or contact local officers on 0845 456 7000.

Harriette Dottridge is the co-ordinator of the Compton Dando and Woollard NHW, Clive
Howarth is her deputy. If anyone would like to ensure that they are
included in the watch, receive property marking advice and pens, window
stickers or other information then contact Harriette on 490445 or at
hdottridge@hotmail.com.

The AGM of the watch is generally held in November each year and newsletters
produced at least once a year. Please contact Harriette to find your
nearest contact person in the village.

Click here for Watchword Newsletter Nov 2008 (takes a moment to load)

Keyholder responsibilities

To be a keyholder for domestic premises you must be on the telephone and able to attend the premises within 20 minutes of receiving the call-out.

You must be familiar with the premises and have knowledge of vehicles owned by the occupier.

On attendance at premises:

•  Make sure someone knows where you are

•  Always approach from the front

•  Avoid dark areas

•  Give yourself plenty of room when checking the property (do not keep too close to the building line)

•  Ideally two people should attend

•  If you have a mobile phone, take it with you

•  Carry a torch with you

If there are any strange vehicles on the driveway or any unusual lights on, DO NOT APPROACH - ring the police on 999.

If, on checking the premises you discover that they are insecure, DO NOT GO INSIDE - CALL THE POLICE ON 999. DO NOT TOUCH THE DOOR OR WINDOW.

If the property appears to be in order then enter and check. Re-set the alarm (you will need the code), or call the engineer depending upon circumstances agreed with the householder.

On leaving the premises make sure they are secure and inform the police if you were contacted by them to attend.