Protect yourself from distraction burglary

Key messages on how to be safe on your doorstep

What is distraction burglary?

Distraction burglary, also known as ‘artifice burglary’ is defined as being: “Any crime where a falsehood, trick or distraction is used on an occupant of a dwelling to gain, or try to gain, access to the premises in order to commit burglary”. Victims tend to find that they have had money and/or valuables stolen and in many cases will only realise that they have been victims some time after the offence has actually been committed.

Bogus callers

The perpetrators of distraction burglaries are often known as ‘bogus callers’. Although the vast majority of people who call at your door will be legitimate there have been incidents where bogus callers have successfully entered people’s homes under false pretences and stolen from them.

The perpetrators of distraction burglaries are often highly organised, work alone or in pairs, and operate under an array of guises. Some of these may include:

• Utility Company Personnel
• Door-to-Door Sales People
• Care Workers & Nurses
• Builders & Gardeners
• Council Staff
• Police Officers   

Legitimate callers

In most cases legitimate callers will carry an ID and relevant paperwork. Most will wait patiently and be willing to answer any questions regarding their visit.

It is also good practice among many organisations to ring and make an appointment beforehand rather than turn up at your doorstep unannounced.

Preventing distraction burglary - Our key messages on doorstep safety

1. When someone knocks at the door stop and think: 

• Are you expecting anyone?
• If someone is claiming to be from a company remember to ask what it is they are there for.
• Always ask for an ID or any associated paperwork – get them to pass these through the letterbox as at this point you should still have your door closed.
• If you have any doubt you should ring the company they say they are from independently. Never ring the number given by the caller but instead locate it from another source e.g. phonebook or directory enquiries.   

2. Additional Measures:

• Ensure that your back door is always closed when answering the door. Callers intent on gaining access to your property may be working in pairs – whilst one distracts you at your front door the other may be trying to enter your property via the back.
• Never keep large sums of money in the house – use a bank or building society if possible.
• Keep valuables and items of sentimental value where they are not easily accessible – the use of a small safe might be appropriate.
• Keep documents containing personal details out of sight e.g. passport, utility bills, bank statements etc.
• Make sure you keep your keys in a safe place and not on display.   

3. When to call the police:

• If you are suspicious or feel that the caller may be bogus.
• If someone forces entry or enters your home without permission.
• You notice valuables or money have gone missing shortly after someone has visited.
• Whenever you think a crime has been, or is about to be, committed.   

4. Distraction Burglary Facts:

• 74% of victims live alone
• Average victim age is 78 years
• 77% of victims are female
• Perpetrators often work in pairs or alone
• Offences tend to be committed in areas where the perpetrators are not known
• Perpetrators often carefully target homes prior to calling on them
• Distraction Burglary is one of the most underreported offences
• There were 11,552 recorded incidents of distraction burglary in 2005/6 across England and Wales