WARNING | After Distraction Burglaries In Southport

WARNING | After Distraction Burglaries In Southport

Distraction Burglaries

Two incidents have occurred in Southport recently where 2 elderly ladies have been victims of bogus callers visiting their premises.

Two men called at a property in Part Street claiming to be from the gas board. They showed the resident an ID card and stated a gas leak had been reported at her premises. Because she was concerned about the safety of both her neighbours and herself she let them in. All the money she had in her purse was taken.

The second incident occurred at an address in Marshside Road at about 2pm on Monday 6^thAugust. The lady was sat in the living room when her intercom buzzer sounded. She couldn’t understand what the caller said so she answered the door. The suspect stated that there had been a series of thefts in the area and he could give her help with home safety. Again he showed an ID and was allowed to enter the premises. A purse containing £100 was stolen.

Crime Prevention Tips

1. Opening the door to a stranger is the time to use the door chain on before you open the door and only speak to the caller through the gap.
2. Better still you are safer if you speak to them through a locked glass porch door or a window, without opening either.
3.  ID cards as can be seen by the two examples given above are not proof the caller is genuine. These cards can easily be produced on a computer.
4. If you live alone tell the person you are phoning a friend, son or daughter to come round, CLOSE THE DOOR and leave the caller on the doorstep while you phone. A genuine person will understand.