Distraction Burglary – Sawston
| Rachel Carr (Police, Community Safety Officer, South Cambridgeshire) |
Please note there has been a distraction burglary reported today 2 November 2016 between 09:00 – 09:45 hrs. The incident took place at Sunderlands Avenue, Sawston.
The householder was cold -called by a male offering to do some gardening work, the price quoted was £90 which was then reduced to £50 when the householder declined the service.
The victim gave the male £50, and directed the male to the back garden locking the front door as they went. A second and third male then appeared. While the victim was looking for tools in the garden shed, the third large build male then blocked the victim’s view of the rear of the house and any exit route.
A short time later a relative asleep inside the house, woke to see a person leaving the kitchen, later the victim noticed a laptop and £250 cash had been stolen. Crime ref: CF 0498971116
Not Sure? Don’t open the door
Please be alert to any callers you suspect are bogus. Always check their I.D.
Keep your door shut until you are satisfied they are genuine.
Don’t call a number the caller has given you, check your utility bill for the correct number.
Criminals use a number of methods to trick their way into people’s homes, they may pretend to be from a utility company such as water/ gas/ electric, offer building or gardening work, door to door sales, or pose as council staff or police officers.
If you want to get work done on your home, get some quotes from local reliable tradespeople so you can compare the price and service offered.
Consider the Buy With Confidence Scheme – a Trading Standards approved scheme which is designed to promote and support good reliable tradespeople and retailers within Cambridgeshire.
Within the scheme all traders have thorough background and financial checks, and have been independently checked by staff from the County Council’s Trading Standards Service for compliance with the letter and spirit of the law.
To obtain details of reliable traders in your area enter your postcode into the Buy With Confidencewebsite:
www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk
Telephone: 08454 040506
If you feel threatened or suspicious contact the police on 999
Kind regards
Rachel Carr
Crime Reduction Officer