Door Step Crime Warning From DI Amanda Thomas

Detective Inspector Amanda Thomas is warning residents to be extra vigilant when answering the door to strangers after two distraction burglaries over the weekend. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

DI Amanda Thomas says: “We’ve now seen distraction burglaries in the Rhiwderin and Swfrydd area of Gwent so I’d like to remind residents how these criminals work… ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

“During a distraction burglary, the victim is distracted at the front door, whilst a second person will enter the property. Quite often, a third person will wait outside in a vehicle. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

“People know not to let strangers through the front door but I want to emphasise that distraction tactics such as people claiming their ball has gone over the garden, or that work needs to be done on the house are a common way of criminals gaining access into your home without you knowing. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

“If you have parents or grandparents that are particularly vulnerable, please remind them that door step crimes like these have been taking place in the Gwent area and to always be vigilant when answering the doors to strangers. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

“It takes seconds for a criminal like these to enter your home, it only takes an unlocked door or window for them to enter a home quickly and quietly so I’d like to emphasis – always lock windows and doors – even if you are in the house. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

“Our officers are currently investigating these crimes but we want to ask the public to always remain vigilant and if you see any suspicious activity, please report this immediately. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​