Distraction Burglary In St Julian’s, Newport

Officers in the Newport area are warning residents to be wary when dealing with doorstep callers following a recent distraction burglary in the St Julian’s area. Yesterday, Monday 20th February at around 4pm, two men knocked on the door of an elderly gentleman and offered work on his guttering. Once inside, one of the men went upstairs and stole money from his wallet. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

Newport East Inspector Sarah Davies said, “This is a terrible crime and the offenders prey on the most unsuspecting in our community. We want to make sure that everyone is vigilant and if you have elderly family members or friends who may not see this post, please make them aware. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

“Unfortunately not everyone who calls at your door may be who they say they are – so you should always be on your guard. Doorstep crime is when someone comes to your door with the aim of scamming you out of your money or tries to get access to your home to steal items from inside. While there are many legitimate tradespeople and officials, it’s wise to always be vigilant when you answer your door to someone you don’t know. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

“Criminals who commit doorstep crime can be pushy and persuasive, or appear to be kind and caring and it can be very easy to fall victim. It’s especially important to be vigilant and aware if you live on your own. Before you open the door, stop and think about who it could be, you can check by looking through a window, spy hole or use a door chain. Ask who they are, why they are there and what they want. If you’re not happy, just say no and keep your door closed.” ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​