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

Common methods used by distraction burglars 

·  Pretending to be from a care agency, the council or a utility company investigating a gas or water leak

·  Seeking help to leave a note for a neighbour or even asking for a drink of water if they claim to be thirsty or unwell

·  Claiming to be in a hurry or emergency and needing to get into your home quickly

·  Working in teams, with one person distracting you while the other searches your home

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':

·  Use your door viewer to see who’s there

·  If you open the door put the chain on first

·  Always ask for ID and check it with the company before letting somebody into your home

·  Use the phone number advertised in the phone book or online, as the number on their identity card could be fake. For a utility company, call the customer service department. Close the door while you do this

·  If you feel at all unsure, schedule a time for the caller to come back when a friend or relative is there

·  For pre-planned appointments with utility companies, a password scheme can be set up

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