Southwater Community Police Office Distraction Burglaries
Distraction burglars pretend to be someone they’re not in order to gain entry to your home.
Common methods used by distraction burglars are:
• Pretending to be from a care agency, the council or a utility company investigating a gas or water leak
• Seeking help to leave a note for a neighbour or even asking for a drink of water claiming to be thirsty or unwell
• Claiming to be in a hurry or emergency and needing to get into your home quickly
• Working in teams, with one person distracting you while the other searches your home
How to prevent it
There are a number of things you can do to prevent distraction burglary. Always remember "if in doubt, keep them out".
• Use your door viewer to see who’s there
• If you open the door, put the chain on first
• Always ask for ID and check it with the company before letting somebody into your home
• Use the phone number advertised in the phonebook or online, as the number on the ID card could be fake. For a utility company, call the customer service department. Close the front door while you do this.
• Remember that genuine callers won’t mind checks. If you feel at all unsure, schedule a time for the caller to come back when a friend or relative can be there.
If you are concerned about anything suspicious, please call Sussex Police on 101 or report it online at www.sussex.police.uk.
In an emergency, always dial 999.
Our opening hours are:
Monday - Friday 09:30 - 12:30 and 14:30 - 17:00
Beeson House, Lintot Square, Southwater Tel: 01403 734417