SILHILLIANS are being called on to be alert to distraction burglary in the borough.
This comes after Solihull Police said an elderly resident paid two men who cold called at an address in the Lyndon area and told them they needed repairs done to their roof.
The police added once the cash was handed over the homeowner was distracted by them and later discovered more cash had been stolen from the address
Solihull Police said on Facebook: “This type of crime is despicable and victims of doorstep offending and rogue trading tend to be elderly and vulnerable. “
West Midlands Police has given out the following tips to keep safe if someone unexpected comes calling:
- Check to see who it is by using the spy hole if you have one, or look through a front window
- Always put the chain on before you open the door.
- Look at their clothing. Some official callers will have a uniform bearing their organisation’s name or symbol
- If you don’t know the caller, ask to see their identity card. Check it carefully, and keep the chain on while you do this. Genuine callers won’t mind if you close the door while you do this
- If you’re still not sure, ask the caller to come back later. You can then check their story by phoning the organisation or company they claim to represent. Look up the number in your own telephone directory. Don’t rely on the telephone number on their card – it may be the number of a criminal’s partner
- Bogus callers sometimes work in pairs. Beware of one distracting you while the other steals your property. The best practice is not to let them in
- Â Watch out for anyone who says they’re in a hurry. Don’t let them pressure you. If in doubt, call a neighbour or friend
- If you’re still not happy, phone the police – dial 999 – and tell them what’s happened. And tell your neighbours
For more visit West Midlands Police’s website.
