Case studies - Victims of distraction burglary

Real case studies of distraction burglary victims:

Bogus gardener

An 80-year-old victim from the West Midlands was befriended by a man who asked if he could do some gardening work for her. On the third occasion that he visited to do the gardening, he asked to use the bathroom. Instead of using the bathroom, he searched the victim's bedroom and stole some jewellery.

The bogus caller went on to commit three similar offences, targeting different victims. He was later arrested and is currently serving four years in prison.

Lost ball distraction burglary

A woman knocked on the door of a 78-year-old lady from Surrey, saying that her daughter had lost her ball in her garden. While the victim was helping the visitor look for the ball, two men entered her house and searched it. The victim confronted the intruders, who escaped with her purse, cash and jewellery.

Looking for a neighbour

A man tricked his way into the ground floor flat of a 73-year-old lady from Leicestershire after dark, saying that he was looking for a neighbour. While inside the flat, he distracted the victim and stole £150 in cash from her living room cabinet.

In a similar incident in Leicestershire, a man tricked his way into the home of an 84-year-old lady, again saying that he was looking for a neighbour. He went on to steal the victim's purse and jewellery.

A man has since been charged for these distraction burglaries.