Crime prevention advice for Spalding residents

Description:

Spalding residents have been offered advice on how to protect themselves from bogus callers.

The "Not Sure? Don't Open the Door" campaign is aimed at driving home the message that if you don't know the person at the door you should not let them into your home.

It comes on the heels of a successful police operation involving five forces to tackle distraction burglaries, which are known to peak during November and December.

Thirty people were arrested during Operation Storyboard, which involved intelligence gathering and the use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) on routes known to be used by distraction burglars to move around the area.

Detective Sergeant Debbie King said: "We are halfway through the campaign and have had some very positive results so far.

"Distraction burglary is a particularly despicable offence because the offenders target the elderly and most vulnerable in our society. The offenders can be very convincing and persuasive.

"The most common excuse offenders use to trick their way into people's homes is to claim they are from the water board.

"I would like to remind people that there is no such thing as the water board and that water companies do not send representatives into homes unannounced and don't panic people by claiming there is a water leak in order to get into their home.

"In order to catch distraction burglars we need information from the community as quickly as possible and I would urge people who see unusual vehicles or unfamiliar people in their area to contact us and for those with elderly relatives or neighbours to remind them about callers to the door - If you are not sure, don't open the door!"

Other crime prevention advice includes:

• Put the chain on before opening the door or talk to the caller through the door
• Ask them to put their identification card through the letterbox. A genuine caller will not mind you checking their identification and most will be happy to make an appointment to return at a later date or time when you can have someone else with you
  
• Remember IDs may be false. You can ring the company they are claiming to be from and confirm their identity
  
• There is no such thing as the ‘water board'
  
• If you feel threatened dial 999 and ask for the police.

Anyone with information about distraction burglaries should call Lincolnshire Police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.