12
Nov
2014
By Calvin at 10:04 GMT, 11 years ago
From Lewisham Police
Police in Lewisham are asking residents to be vigilant and not to answer the door to cold callers, after victims have been targeted by artifice burglars posing as police officers.
Detectives are investigating three recent incidents in the borough where two suspects have knocked at the door of an elderly resident in Lewisham and posed as police officers.
The suspects have then claimed they were investigating fraud and money offences and that they needed to see any money being kept at the address. In two of the cases the victims have fortunately not handed over any money to the suspects, but in one case, the victim had £400 stolen.
The suspects are described as white men, and are said to have been wearing suits and shown victims what they believe was police I.D. badges. Officers from Lewisham's Burglary Squad are investigating the incidents and no arrests have been made at this stage.
Officers are urging the public to remain vigilant and not to answer the door to cold callers.
Detective Inspector Jenny Di Fabio, who leads Lewisham's Serious Acquisitive Crime Unit said: “Bogus callers tend to target vulnerable members of the community and often this means elderly people.
Although there are still relatively few victims of this type of crime, it can have an enormous impact on their lives if it happens so we want people to be aware and take simple steps to prevent it from happening.
If you've got any vulnerable or elderly friends or family, then please make them aware of our advice so that they don't fall foul of this type of scam.”
Residents are asked to do the following when somebody unexpected comes to your doorstep:
- Use your door viewer, or look through a window to see who is there and if you are in any doubt, don't answer the door
- When anyone claims to be from a service company, always ask for I.D. and call the customer services department to confirm their identity - genuine callers won’t mind waiting. If they claim to be police officers, you can call 101.
- Many utility companies operate password schemes, so contact yours to set one up - any representative will know this when they visit your home.
- Be wary of anyone who claims they are in a hurry and needs to get in your home quickly
- Never hand over money to somebody cold calling or let anyone take you to the bank to withdraw money
- Consider scheduling a time for the caller to come back again, when a friend or relative can be with you
- If you see anybody acting suspiciously call police on 999
- For more crime prevention information on how best to deal with bogus callers and protect your home from burglars, visit: www.metbumblebee.org
The incidents occurred:
- Tuesday, 7 October in Westwood Park (suspects stole £400)
- Sunday, 2 November in Whitefoot Lane, BR1
- Tuesday, 4 November in Ravensbourne Park, SE6
Anyone with information is asked to call Lewisham's Serious Acquisitive Crime Unit via 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
TCPW Comment: I'm sure you would agree that there are far too many incidents like this taking place. If you have an elderly neighbour who you think might be vulnerable to being conned by cold callers or burglars please have a chat with them and perhaps you could suggest they call you if a stranger knocks on their door.
Further advice about bogus callers: http://thecrimepreventionwebsite.com/personal-security/633/bogus-callers-distraction-burglary/
