Staffordshire Police

Distraction burglary is any crime where a lie, trick or distraction is used on an occupant to gain, or try to gain, access to burgle their home.

Offenders will pretend to be on official business from respectable concerns such as utility companies - gas, electricity and water - or the council. They may claim to be tradesmen or workmen calling to carry out urgent repairs.

Distraction burglars usually work in teams and move from area to area. One team member will distract the resident’s attention while another will gain entry to the property and steal any cash or valuables they find. 

Distraction burglary is a rare but very distressing crime that mainly affects the most vulnerable members of our society, especially the elderly. However, there are a number of schemes that can help keep you safe, such as the Nominate A Neighbour sceme found on this website.

Crime reduction tips

• If you’re not sure who is at your door, don’t open it. Check the identity of the caller by calling the company they claim to be from eg. police, council or gas, electricity, water companies. Use the telephone numbers listed in your local directory or sent to you by your service provider. Do not use any telephone numbers provided by the caller, as they may be bogus.
• Many utility service providers like gas, electricity and water, offer password schemes for customers, sign up to these. When unannounced callers claiming to be from these utility providers call at your door they should know the password if they are genuine.
• ‘Water Boards’ no longer exist, it is an obsolete phrase used only by bogus callers.
• If a builder or tradesman offers to accompany you to the bank so you can withdraw cash to pay them don’t accept. Arrange for someone you know well to take you and pay the tradesman later.
• Don’t keep large quantities of cash at home; put it in the bank where it is safe
• Keep doors locked and windows secure at all times.
• Ensure that if you do let somebody in to your home, you close the door behind them – distraction burglars often work in teams, where one will distract you whilst others sneak in through the insecure door.
• If somebody asks for your help (needs to make a telephone call, lost a ball in your garden, needs a drink or pen and paper) refer them to a younger neighbour or assist them through a closed door or call a friend or neighbour to come and help.
• If you suspect a bogus caller is at your door call 999 immediately.