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Police launch anti-distraction burglary campaign
Friday 1am Burglars who trick their way into houses and target the elderly and vulnerable are the targets of a national police campaign that starts today (5 March 2010).
'Not Sure?…Don't Open The Door' is the message at the heart of Operation Liberal's public awareness campaign against distraction burglars. The campaign, sponsored by the Energy Retail Association (ERA), aims to make people aware of the tactics used by distraction burglars and how they can prevent themselves from becoming potential victims.
A distraction burglary is defined as where one or more offenders trick or distract an occupant in order to gain entry to the premises before committing burglary. Deputy Chief Constable Peter Goodman, who is the DCC for collaboration in the East Midlands and the Association of Chief Police Officer's Lead for Operation Liberal says:
"This type of crime is despicable; victims of distraction burglary can suffer terribly both emotionally and physically. When you consider the average age of a victim is 81-years- old, you can understand why many suffer a decline in health afterwards and why it can seriously affect their trust and faith in people afterwards.
"In 2009 between Jan 1st-Dec 31st there were 8,057 distraction burglary offences reported to police across England and Wales, which shows a 13% reduction compared with 9223 reported offences during 2008. This campaign aims to reduce the number of potential victims still further, ensuring the public are equipped with crime prevention advice. "
Home Office Minister Alan Campbell, supports the campaign:
"Burglary has fallen 54 per cent since 1997 and we are determined to take action against those who prey on the most vulnerable members of our community, which is why we have taken action with a 15 million package of support. Most recently we launched a national campaign providing simple practical advice on how to deal with bogus callers.
"But it is vital people remember to check the identity of any stranger who calls at their home, genuine callers will not mind waiting. Help and support is available from the police, local authorities, and utility companies so please make sure you use it."
The campaign is being launched in the East Midlands region, where Operation Liberal is based. All police forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland co-ordinate the investigation of distraction burglaries through Operation Liberal, which is a national unit that analyses intelligence and maintains a database of crimes, offenders, vehicles, forensic information and images.
This collaborative approach solves more crimes and leads to heavier sentences for criminals. Operation Liberal works with many partner agencies including the Home Office, Water UK, Trading Standards, Crimestoppers and the Energy Retail Association who represent Great Britain's major electricity and gas suppliers.
The campaign will see the roll out of posters to police forces which feature four elderly models and depict commonly used methods of distraction burglary. The posters will be placed at hearts of communities such as Post Offices, doctors' surgeries, places of worship, community centres, bingo halls, charity shops, newsagents and hospitals. Over 550 buses will also carry the posters across the East Midlands as part of the regional campaign.
Forces will also receive newly designed Distraction Burglary Victim Information leaflets containing useful contacts and crime prevention advice, to be given to all victims of distraction burglary. The leaflet will also contain information about how to sign up to your energy supplier's Priority Service Register and Password Scheme by calling the Home Heat Helpline (0800 33 66 99).
This is a free phone advice and information service run by the Energy Retail Association. Julian Anderton, Head of Operations for the Energy Retail Association comments:
"Distraction burglary is an abhorrent crime, and the energy industry is committed to supporting Operation Liberal - to educate communities and support victims of this crime. Everyone has the right to feel safe, and to know that callers to their home are legitimate.
"By calling the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99, elderly residents can ask about joining their energy supplier's Priority Service Register, and sign up to the Password Scheme which will help households identify legitimate visitors from their energy supplier."
The Energy Retail Association works closely with government, charities and other organisations to ensure a co-ordinated approach to dealing with industry and consumer issues including tackling fuel poverty and protecting vulnerable customers, energy efficiency and ensuring good sales practice through the Energy Sure Code.
Lincolnshire Police are fully committed to the Operation Liberal National Awareness Campaign. Chief Superintendent Roger Bannister says, "Lincolnshire is a largely rural county which is a very safe place to live. However, distraction burglary still affects us and our best defence against it is the excellent community spirit we are fortunate to have in many parts of the county".
"We must make the most of this to prevent the criminals who prey on the elderly and vulnerable from succeeding in their crimes".
"The more we can raise awareness of these offenders and how they operate, the more likely we are to keep ourselves, our friends, families and neighbours safe and secure".
"I would urge people to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police immediately".
"Never let strangers or unexpected callers into your home and keep stressing this message to everyone you know, particularly the elderly or vulnerable".
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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