HELP KEEP THE WATER BOARD BURGLARS OUT!

WEST MERCIA CONSTABULARY is working with Dwr Cymru Welsh Water in its fight to crack down on the career criminal distraction burglars who make a living preying on the vulnerable and elderly living in Herefordshire.

Distraction burglary is a devastating and despicable crime, which in many cases leaves victims without their life savings and treasured personal possessions.

Distraction burglars will use any means of deception to con their way into people’s homes. Currently the most common deception that distraction burglars are using is pretending to be from the water board.

West Mercia has teamed up with Dwr Cymru Welsh Water to raise awareness about this deception and to give advice about how people can avoid being a victim of a distraction burglary.

Detective Inspector Adrian Todd from headquarters CID said: "It is important that residents realise and remember that there is no such thing as the water board. If people work for a water company it will have a specific name and all this information will be on the caller’s identity card.

"The force is working hard, through it’s Knock Knock campaign, to raise awareness about the security measures people should take before they let anyone into their home or allow them to do maintenance work. A crime prevention leaflet has been produced, which gives people more advice about what they can do to keep themselves safe.

"People should not be afraid to ask callers for identification. If they are not convinced the caller is genuine they should call and check with the company concerned. A legitimate caller will not mind waiting outside while you check their identification our properly. If you are in any doubt do not let them into your home."

To help combat distraction burglary Dwr Cymru Welsh Water has created a special Bogus Callers Hotline to verify the identity of their representatives. Customers can also contact Dwr Cymru Welsh Water to have a password assigned to them. When a Dwr Cymru Welsh Water representative calls at their house, the customer asks the representative what the password is. The representative then calls a control centre to obtain the password and relays it back to the customer.

Dwr Cymru Welsh Water head of communications Sally Gronow said: "There have been several bogus caller incidents in our area recently, so it’s important to remind customers of the dangers. Before opening the door to strangers, it’s important to check that they are genuine. If you have any doubts – then keep them out.

"All our staff carry identity cards, which shows our Bogus Caller Helpline number, and should be asked to show them when they call. If any customer wants to verify the identity of the caller, please ring the Helpline on 0800 281 141."

Bear the following advice in mind, it could help to reduce the chance of a distraction burglary happening to you or others in your neighbourhood:

• Don’t keep large sums of money in your home
• Keep an eye on people calling in the area or acting suspiciously
• Encourage vulnerable neighbours to keep their door on a chain and to check a caller’s identity card carefully
• Trust your instincts – if you have any doubt about a caller’s identity don’t let them in
• Call 08457 444888 to provide information to the police about suspicious people, activity or vehicles however insignificant it may seem
• If a distraction burglary has taken place or been attempted, encourage the victim to report it as quickly as possible.

Anyone interested in obtaining an ‘In doubt? – Keep them out!’ leaflet or requiring an Additional Services Pack to register for the password scheme can call the Dwr Cymru Welsh Water freephone public helpline number on 0800 052 0138.

Summary of incidents in June

3 reports of criminal damage to dwellings and 1 of attempted criminal damage.

9 reports of criminal damage to other property, one involving arson.

4 reports of criminal damage to a vehicle.

1 theft of a motor vehicle & 1 theft of trailer.

4 incidents of criminal damage to a motor vehicle.

1 theft of a wing mirror from a motor vehicle, 2 incidents of theft of goods from a shop and 2 burglary/theft at a dwelling.

1 theft of a purse & 1 theft of cash.

1 theft of stainless steel & copper parts.

1 theft of a hanging basket and 1 incident where flowers were uprooted from the Town Council flower beds.

4 thefts of pedal cycles.

2 incidents of fear of provocation/violence and 5 reports of use of disorderly or threatening behaviour. 1 report of false imprisonment.

5 reports of common assault by beating and 6 of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

1 incident of controlled drugs being found.

1 report of attempted burglary.

1 reported sexual offence

1 report of attempt burglary.

1 report of theft of a quad bike.

1 report of theft from a garden.

2 reports of burglaries at private dwellings.

1 incident of fear of violence and 2 reports of assault.

2 report of theft from motor vehicle.

1 theft of a motor vehicle.

1 incident of criminal damage to a motor vehicle and other property.

1 report of attempted burglary.

Theft of 2 vehicles from an industrial yard.

1 report of criminal damage to other property.

1 report of harassment with criminal damage to personal property.

The front counter at Ledbury Police Station operates surgery hours as follows :-

Monday to Sunday 9am to 1pm

Tuesday and Friday 4pm to 7pm

Monday, Wednesday &

Thursday 4pm to 8pm

The counter is closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. All other public Holidays the counter will open 9am to 1pm

Emergency only 999

West Mercia Police 08457 444888

Crimestoppers 0800 555111 Hereford Division Media 01432 347340

Mobile 07967 743147

PC 3441 Deborah HUGGINS, Ledbury RURAL Local Policing Officer, can be contacted on Tel: 08457 444888 and on mobile 07814 554 498 or via email: deborah.huggins@westmercia.pnn.police.uk

Community Support Officer Alison DORE can be contacted on Tel: 08457 444888 and on mobile 07970 602 338 or via email: alison.dore@westmercia.pnn. police.uk

Community Support Officer Paul SMITH can be contacted on Tel: 08457 444888 and on mobile, via email: paul.smith @westmercia.pnn.police.uk

PC 3554 Pete ASKWITH, Ledbury TOWN Local Policing Officer, can be contacted on Tel: 08457 444888 and on mobile 07814 554 496 or via email: peter.askwith@westmercia.pnn.police.uk

Community Support Office Leatte CLARKE can be contacted on tel: 08457 444888 and on mobile 07816 169 707 or via email: leatte.clarke@westmercia.pnn.police.uk