Burglary

Dwelling burglary or breaking and entering

Most dwelling burglaries are opportunistic. This means that the thief sees an opportunity to enter a house where a window or door is left open or they spot an easy way to break into the property.

Burglars are extremely quick and will often be in and out of a house within 5 minutes. In general, they take the things they can easily carry, such as money, jewellery, cameras, play stations, mobile phones, etc. However, many other items may also be stolen.

Non-domestic burglary

This type of burglary is where the thief breaks into buildings such as garages and sheds. Burglary of shops and business premises is also classed as non-domestic.

Security Tips

Here is some advise on keeping your property safe (the advice given here is not exhaustive and is not guaranteed to stop a burglary taking place, but may help to deter a potential criminal).

ALWAYS lock and close doors and windows when going out.
Consider fitting window locks, stronger doors and better door locks.
Consider installing a burglar alarm and security lighting.
Put lights and radios on timers when you are out.
If you have a garden gate, lock it.
Don't leave ladders, tools or items lying around the garden that a burglar could use to help them break in.
Even innocent seeming items like garden tables and chairs and childrens outdoor toys can be used by burglars to gain access to your house.
If you are going away, inform the police. Ask a neighbour to look after your property - get them to open and close curtains, turn on lights in the evening and take in the post and milk.
Consider growing prickly shrubs and using trellis in your garden to deter burglars from climbing walls and fences.

Distraction burglary

A distraction burglary is when a bogus caller or con men (and women and children) try to trick their way into your home to steal something.

In general, these thieves target older and vulnerable people. They may pretend to be an official from the council, some-one reading a meter or they may say their car has broken down and they want to use the phone or they have lost a pet. A bogus caller will try ANYTHING to trick you into letting them into your home.

Once you have let them in they will tell you further lies to 'distract' you whilst they or a partner steals your belongings.

Huntingdonshire District Council is a member of the countywide Distraction Burglary and Rogue Trader Task Force who are working hard to stop this type of crime from happening.

What should you do?

STOP (take time to think!)

Are you expecting anyone - do they have an appointment?
Look out of the window or spyhole
Check your back door is locked
Take your time – a genuine caller will wait

CHAIN

Put the door chain / bar on BEFORE opening the door
NEVER keep your chain / bar on all the time (this is in case emergency services need to get in if you have an accident or there is a fire)
Remember con men will always be pleasant, polite and plausible

CHECK

Ask for IDENTIFICATION, take it and read it
Close the door if you want, for instance, if you need to get your glasses.
Telephone the company using the number from the telephone directory, NOT the number on the ID card
You may be able to arrange with some companies to use a password
Call a neighbour or a friend and ask them to come over