Keep bogus callers out in the cold

‘Not sure? Don’t open the door’ is the simple advice being offered by Greater Manchester Police and other partners to older and vulnerable adults in a new distraction burglary campaign being launched today (Friday 5 March).

The campaign is part of a national drive to raise awareness of the dangers of letting strangers into your home and is sponsored by the Energy Retail Association.

Distraction burglars typically trick their way into vulnerable residents’ homes to steal money and valuables. They may pretend to be from a gas or electricity provider, the Water Board or may simply ask for a drink of water, or to use the phone for an emergency situation.

The campaign has been devised by Operation Liberal, a national police initiative to drive down doorstep crime and bring offenders to justice. It consists of posters featuring four older models and outline the tactics distraction burglars may use. They posters urge potential victims to refuse to open the door and seek help if they have any doubts about the identity or intentions of a caller. They will be displayed in venues at the heart of communities such as Post Offices, doctor’s surgeries, places of worship, community centres, bingo halls, charity shops and newsagents.

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Seabridge said: “Distraction burglary is a despicable crime that targets the most vulnerable people in our communities. The damage it does can be far in excess of the value of the goods stolen, leaving people feeling defenceless and frightened in the own homes.

“This campaign urges potential victims to think twice before opening the door and if they have any fears to keep the door locked and refer the caller to a trusted neighbour or to phone a family member or friend.

“If you know someone who may be a potential victim of a bogus caller please talk these issues through with them, without causing alarm, agree a strategy they can follow, and people they can call for help if they feel threatened.

“Through working with the police and watching out for older, vulnerable members of our communities we can all help to keep them safe and stop callous criminals tricking them out of their hard-earned possessions.”