KINGSTON GATE ::: Attempted Distraction Burglary on CLIFTON ROAD

KINGSTON GATE ::: Attempted Distraction Burglary on CLIFTON ROAD

Here’s an update on burglary locally.

On the Wednesday 21st October 2026 at approximately 10:30hrs a white male has falsely represented British Gas and gained access to a property on CLIFTON ROAD, close to The Norbiton pub.

The male was described as being in his 50's with dark hair, athletic, and was not wearing any fake ID or anything with the British Gas logo on.

Fortunately the residents realised and were able to get the male out of their home safely.

This is a note for anyone with elderly and vulnerable friends and family who could be targeted. If you are concerned about a relative, it would be advisable to invest in a doorbell camera and to discuss distraction burglaries with them.

The following information from www.met.police.uk gives me advice on preventing distraction burglaries....

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.

Across London, we’re now arresting more than 1,000 extra criminals every month and seeing local crimes like burglary, robbery and theft start to fall, with ‘neighbourhood crime’ down 14%.

While we will continue to pursue burglars in the area, there are steps you can do to help keep your property safe. Please go to our website to find the latest advice and guidance on keeping yourself safe and protecting your home.

You can report an incident of burglary by using our online reporting tools at https://www.met.police.uk , speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.

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