An elderly couple were burgled in their home in a distraction burglary involving a child and a man.
The 87-year-old resident was approached by a boy in the garden of his home in Front Street, Slip End, at aout 5.15pm on Sunday (May 26).
The child offered the victim some plants and asked if he needed any gardening jobs doing before leaving.
Shortly afterwards, the resident’s 81-year-old wife noticed the child at the back of the property and then discovered a man walking from the dining room to her kitchen, claiming to be looking for his son.
The man began to shout at the child and both ran from the scene.
The resident and his wife then checked the property and found that cash, jewellery, a purse, a wallet and a handbag had been stolen.
The offenders are described as a 45 year old white man who spoken with an Irish accent.
He was well built and clean-shaven and wore a light blue sweatshirt with light blue jeans.
The boy is described as white, approximately 12 years old, with a plump build and also spoke with an Irish accent. He wore a blue and white checked shirt and blue jeans.
Det Con Rachael Foy said: “It is possible that these people also tried to enter other people’s homes over the weekend and I would urge residents to be extra cautious when unexpected callers come to their home. Anyone who can help identify the pair involved in this crime or anyone who has experienced a similar incident should contact the police.”
Here are some helpful tips to keep you and your property safe from distraction burglars:
> 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 are purporting to be from i.e. Police, Council or Gas, Electricity, Water companies.
> Use the telephone numbers listed in your local directory or provided independently 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, provide 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.
> 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, that you close the door behind them – distraction burglars often work in teams, where one will distract you whilst others sneak in through the insecure
> If somebody asks for your help (i.e. needs to make a telephone call, want to cut down trees in a neighbours garden, 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 the police immediately on 999.
Anyone with information relating to this crime can contact DC Foy, in confidence, on 01582 394072, or Bedfordshire Police on 101, or text information to 07786 200011.
Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.