Poster to help protect residents from burglars

Buy photos » Elderly and vulnerable people are being urged to place this poster in their windows.

POLICE have urged elderly residents to send a clear message to distraction burglars by using a new poster in their windows.

The warning comes after a serious distraction burglary took place in Evesham earlier this month when a conman stole £700 from an elderly lady after claiming he was from the water board.

Similar offences have taken place in Worcester and Droitwich which has prompted officers to remind residents about their current Knock Knock campaign which aims to prevent the number of distraction burglaries taking place across the region.

A 'cut out and keep' door poster has been issued as part of the campaign and residents are being encouraged to attach the poster to the inside of their front door or front window in a bid to deter the burglars away.

Mike Stephenson, Crime Risk Adviser for Worcestershire, said the average age of those targeted by distraction burglars is 78 and more than three quarters targeted are women.

"I would urge people to cut out this poster and stick it in their door or window, or that of any vulnerable members of the community who it may be of use to," he said.

"As we've seen recently, criminals often claim to be from a utility company - the ‘water board' usually - and may be smartly dressed or in work clothes. They will then give the homeowner a task to do and while distracted, take money and any valuable items they can find.

"West Mercia Police is determined to crack down on people committing doorstep crime and we take all reports of this type of crime extremely seriously.

"I also ask that members of the public keep an eye on vulnerable people in their neighbourhoods and report any suspicious activity they see to the police by calling 101."

To download a copy of the poster or for further information about the Knock Knock campaign visit www.westmercia.police.uk.

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