West Suffolk – police urge caution after distraction burglary attempts

Police are appealing for witnesses and urging residents to be cautious after two distraction burglaries and a residential burglary were reported in West Suffolk.

The latest incident took place in Cullum Road, Bury St Edmunds, at around 1.40pm on Monday 24 November.

Two suspects were allowed to enter a property after claiming there was a leak. While one of the two men appeared to be looking for a leak, the other was looking around the property. When the homeowner said they were calling the police the two men swiftly left. It is not believed anything was stolen. The first man was described as being white, around 6ft tall and of a broad build and had a moustache. He was wearing a grey hooded top, with the hood up, and grey trousers. The second man was described as having a darker skin tone. He was around 6ft tall and slim. He was wearing a black coat, glasses and a black cap. Crime reference 37/66617/25. 

A similar incident took place in New Cheveley Road, Newmarket at around 5pm on Monday 10 November when two men entered the home of an elderly woman claiming a water leak had been found in the street. The suspects left the property after the homeowner asked the men to speak with her family on the phone. It is not believed anything was stolen.

The first man was described as white, appeared to be aged in his late 40s, was of a large build and was bald. He was wearing a light-coloured jacket, dark-coloured trousers, and black shoes. The second suspect was described as having a darker skin tone, was aged in his 40s and of a slim build. He had short, dark hair with sideburns and a moustache. He was wearing a black jacket, dark-coloured trousers and black shoes. Crime reference 37/64158/25.

There was also residential burglary that took place in Frampton Close, Newmarket at around 4.50pm on Monday 10 November.

Two men tried the front door of a property before moving round to the back of the house and smashing a rear door handle and lock and entering the home. However, the pair then fled after spotting the homeowner inside. It is not believed anything was stolen. The first man was described as white, short and of a large build. He was wearing a cream-coloured jacket. The second man was described as white, tall and of a thin build. He was wearing a hooded top and a baseball cap. Crime reference 37/63961/25.

Police believe the two incidents in Newmarket are linked.

Officers have been making numerous enquiries into the incidents and are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the two men described in any of the areas. 

Residents are also being asked to report any similar incidents, including similar suspicious activity, for example people pretending to be utilities workers, trade workers or other professions in order to gain entry to a property.

Door-to-door and CCTV checks have been carried out in the area, however, residents with cameras, or those with dash-cameras that were driving in the areas close to the victims, are asked to review any footage.

Any witnesses, or anyone with any information that could assist police enquiries, are asked to contact West CID quoting the relevant crime reference numbers, via:

Website – https://www.suffolk.police.uk/tell-us

Phone – Call 101

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Please note in the event of an emergency you should always call 999.

Distraction burglary

Distraction burglars pretend to be someone they are not in order to gain entry to your home.

Common methods used by distraction burglars

How to prevent it

There are a number of things you can do to prevent distraction burglary. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about anyone at your door – genuine callers won’t mind. Always remember 'if in doubt, keep them out':

If you feel threatened or in danger by the presence of the caller, call 999.

Avoiding fraudsters

Anyone who calls at your door should have some form of identification. You are well within your rights to ask for this and make a note of their details.

Never give out banking or personal details to anyone you’re unsure about. If you can’t be certain if a visitor is genuinely who they say they are, ask them to come back at a later date. This gives you time to verify their identity and perhaps also arrange for a relative or friend to be there.

Remember, it’s ok to tell visitors you’re not interested or ask them to leave if you aren’t comfortable. Legitimate visitors will understand.

Finally, if you suspect fraud, please report fraud to us. The methods fraudsters use can be extremely clever - there’s no shame in having been caught out.

You can find the above and further guidance by visiting the below Suffolk Constabulary website. 

Annoying phone calls or unwanted visits | Suffolk Constabulary

Keep burglars out of your property | Suffolk Constabulary