Surrey Heath residents advised to be on their guard against
distraction techniques

The Safer Neighbourhood Policing team in Surrey Heath is advising residents in the borough to be aware of the latest technique employed by distraction burglars in the neighbourhood in which a man claims to be in a property to carry out essential building work for the winter.

The move follows a distraction burglary last week when an 81-year-old in the Bagshot area was taken off guard by an offender who entered her home after it had been left unlocked because workmen had already been in. The suspect claimed to have rung the bell at 1.10pm on Friday, 9 November when he was discovered in the hallway. He said he was doing work for old people by fixing the concrete floor to protect them against the damp and cold.

The intruder spent some time chatting to the pensioner explaining to her that he worked for a company which had previously undertaken similar work, before he left the premises. The householder then discovered that in the time he had been trying to gain her confidence, a bedroom had been ransacked and jewellery valued at more than £1,000 stolen. Cash was taken from the elderly lady’s handbag in the living room.

Neighbourhood Inspector James Norbury said: “This was a cruel and calculated way in which to gain a vulnerable individual’s trust. I would appeal to all residents to be aware of the distraction techniques which are being employed by these callous criminals and to follow all the safety guidelines to ensure they do not fall foul of a similar offence.

“The descriptions of the offenders demonstrate particular items of heads gear which might be memorable and I would urge anyone with any information which might help police track these offenders and bring them to justice to contact police as soon as possible.”

The suspects are described as white men; one who talked to the resident is between 18 and 20 years of age, 5ft 10” tall and of a slim build. He was wearing a peaked cap which was partly coloured blue with a grey back, grey jeans and a blue jumper. The second offender is described as being in his thirties, of a similar height to the younger suspect and of a medium build. He was wearing a brown trilby hat and a brown full length overcoat.

Surrey Police advises everyone in the community, particularly vulnerable residents to follow these basic security tips:

• If you have a caller at the door, do not let them in. Check their identification.
• Always use the Stop, Chain and Check measures.
• Most utility companies have a Password Identification Scheme in place, register with your utility provider to be part of the scheme.
• If you are in the garden ensure that the door to your property is locked.
• Always ensure the side or back gate is bolted shut.
• Remember you do not have to let anyone into your home uninvited.

Call 0845 125 2222 for all non-emergency policing matters.

Call 999 if you have a genuine emergency requiring the attendance of the police (eg a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger).

Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you have information about crime and don't want to leave your name.

For up-to-date news see our website at: www.surrey.police.uk

For more information call Margaret Cole, Press and Publicity Officer for North West Surrey based at Woking on 01483 630262