Most wanted distraction burglars target the elderly

Crime-fighting charity, Crimestoppers, is today launching a list of 10 Most Wanted people sought in connection with distraction burglaries and warning people to be careful about who they let into their homes, as the traditional peak time for this crime approaches (February/March). Distraction burglary is a crime which particularly effects elderly people, the average age of a victim is 81-years-old. [18 January 2010]

Crimestoppers has been working with Operation Liberal, the unit which provides a national intelligence overview of distraction burglary crime, which has produced the list of 10 Most Wanted individuals.

Distraction burglary is any crime where a falsehood, trick or distraction is used on a house to gain, or try to gain, access to the premises to commit burglary. Violence is increasingly being used by offenders against the elderly in order to gain entry to their homes and steal their property.

Weather related distraction burglary methods have been reported from various parts of the country with the criminals using tactics such as: clearing snow off drives for a small amount, then stealing from the house when the victim goes to pay and telling victims they need to check boilers, frozen pipes and radiators because of the bad weather.

Prevention advice on this crime type is available here. Lord Ashcroft, KCMG, Founder and Chair of Crimestoppers said: “Distraction burglars are clearly hideous individuals as they tend to prey on elderly, vulnerable people to rob them of life-long treasured possessions by using devious tactics and in many cases, violence. Some victims suffer a decline in health and even die as a result of the trauma caused by these criminals. If you have any information on these wanted individuals, please contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously, we guarantee that no one will know your identity.”

Dame Vera Lynn, Co-Patron of Sussex Crimestoppers branch, said: “As someone who has been a victim of burglary several times, I can't reinforce enough how frightening it is. Worse than having your possessions taken, is having your confidence stolen as well. A home is where everyone should feel safe and relaxed, not anxious and worried at what might happen. We must not let these despicable criminals get away with traumatising people and stealing treasured possessions. I fully support the charity's campaign and urge the public help bring justice to victims by passing on information they may have about distraction burglars to Crimestoppers anonymously.”

Assistant Chief Constable of Derbyshire Constabulary and Association of Chief Police Officers lead for Operation Liberal, Peter Goodman, said: “Distraction burglars trick their way in to the homes of the elderly and vulnerable, generally by pretending to be an official of some kind or asking for assistance.

“Operation Liberal works together with all UK police forces to target and bring to justice those individuals who prey on the vulnerable in society. Our message is - if you're not sure who is calling, then don't open the door, check their identity first.

“There have been many recent examples of vigilant members of the public reporting suspicious behaviour to the police which has led to a number of distraction burglars being arrested. We want this to continue.

“Should anyone have information about someone they believe is carrying out these terrible crimes please call police or if you prefer, phone Crimestoppers, who will treat your call anonymously.”

-ENDS-

View all distraction burglary Most Wanted.

Read distraction burglary crime prevention advice and case studies.

For further information contact Crimestoppers' press office.

Notes to editors

Crimestoppers

• Crimestoppers is an independent charity which helps the police to solve crimes, making communities safer. It does this by operating the 24/7 telephone number 0800 555 111 which people can ring to pass on information about crimes anonymously. They can also use our ‘giving information' form via this website.
• Around 19 people are arrested and charged every day as a result of information given to Crimestoppers. One person every four days is charged with murder.
• Since Crimestoppers began in 1988, it has received over a million actionable calls, resulting in over 96,000 arrests and charges. Over £111 million worth of property has been recovered and over £179 million worth of drugs.
• In 2005, Crimestoppers launched the UK's Most Wanted on its website which allows the public to view images of criminals and pass on vital information about their whereabouts. It has been highly successful with over 800 arrests to date from 3,591 appeals posted.
• Crimestoppers UK was founded by Lord Ashcroft, KCMG, Chairman of Trustees. In 1988, he launched Crimestoppers in the Metropolitan Police area. Crimestoppers ‘call to action' is built on a three-way partnership between the business community, the police and the media.

Registered charity number: 1108687

Operation Liberal

Operation Liberal, formed in 1998, consists of a team of 13 staff comprising Analysts, Researchers, Intelligence Officers, Community Safety Officer and Indexers managed by two Detective Sergeants and one Detective Inspector.

The unit provides a national overview of distraction burglary crime, highlights crime series and monitors intelligence on known criminals and Organised Criminal Groups (OCGs) who travel extensively throughout the UK to commit these vile crimes.

Operation Liberal supports national investigations into distraction burglaries. As a result of Op Liberal's work, when distraction burglars are arrested, a nationally coordinated investigation takes place with a lead force appointed to collate the evidence, supported and assisted by Operation Liberal.