Burglars target the Elderly

Crimestoppers have just released a shocking new warning that elderly people are at risk of being subject to distraction burglars.

Distraction Burglary occurs when a criminal gains entry or attempts to gain entry to a property to commit theft by using tricks, falsehood or general distractive techniques. Many reports have shown that these criminals will use distractions by offering a service such as window cleaning, rubbish clearance or meter reading to gain entry to your property and commit burglary while you are unaware. Unfortunately these  spinless criminals target elderly and vulnerable people with the average age of victims of this crime being around 81 years of age.  Horrifically, many of these individuals go on to die as a result of the shock caused by the incident.

This crime is not only unecessary, but it can be prevented with a few basic precautions. Locksmith Local and Essex Police would like to emphasis the point that if you are unsure of a visitor or visitors to your residence it is best to be cautious and ask for identification than to let them in to your home. If you have let someone into your home and you're unsure call the police immediately. Having a door chain fitted to the front door is a good way of communicating with someone without allowing them access to your home. These can be installed by 24 hour locksmiths for as little as £55*

If you have been subject to distraction burglary be sure to contact our emergency locksmiths who are available day and night.