Cheshire Police are putting their foot in the door of distraction burglars who trick their way into houses and prey on the elderly and vulnerable.
"Not Sure?…Don’t Open The Door" is the message at the heart of Operation Liberal’s awareness campaign against distraction burglars. The national campaign, sponsored by the Energy Retail Association (ERA), aims to make people aware of the tactics used by distraction burglars and how they can prevent themselves from becoming potential victims.
Detective Inspector Nigel Groom, of the Eastern Area Burglary Team, said: "We treat distraction burglary as a very serious crime and the emotional impact on the victim can be considerable.
"Making arrests and seeing offenders convicted and sentenced, provides a great deal of job satisfaction, but there is still a victim. We know prevention is the best answer of all which is why we urge people to always question if the person at their door is who they say they are.
"Genuine callers will not be offended when you ask for identification or call the company they claim to be from to check on them. I would appeal to anyone who sees people acting suspiciously around their neighbours’ homes to call the police to report their concerns and help to prevent this upsetting and distressing crime."
The campaign uses posters which feature four elderly people and depict commonly used methods of distraction burglary. The posters will be placed at hearts of communities such as Post Offices, doctors' surgeries, places of worship, community centres, bingo halls, charity shops, newsagents and hospitals.
To find how to sign up to your energy supplier’s Priority Service Register and Password Scheme by calling the Home Heat Helpline (0800 33 66 99). This is a free phone advice and information service run by the Energy Retail Association.
Julian Anderton, Head of Operations for the Energy Retail Association, said: "Distraction burglary is an abhorrent crime, and the energy industry is committed to supporting Operation Liberal - to educate communities and support victims of this crime. Everyone has the right to feel safe, and to know that callers to their home are legitimate."
