BOGUS CALLER CRIME - THE FACTS

With 12,612 offences being reported in 2005/6, it is widely accepted that the crime is massively under reported and research from the Home Office “Distraction Burglary Task Force” and other practitioners has revealed that the true incident rate of the crime is at least 10 times greater than that reported. Help the Aged Survey of Britain Part 2 – Summer 2003, suggest that between 300,000 and 400,000 of the population of Great Britain aged 60 or over may have been approached by distraction burglars in the past year alone.

Why do victims fail to report the crime? (just some examples)

1. Embarrassment at having fallen for the deception and are too ashamed to report the crime (sometimes even to close relatives and friends).
2. Victims not appreciating that their property has been stolen, believing they may have lost or mislaid it.
3. Victims sometimes are aware that they are being duped but fear of physical violence prevents them from taking action.
4. Victims are afraid they would be subject to threats and intimidation from the offenders if they made a complaint to the police.

The average victim profile is an 81 years old white woman living alone. There is an increasing concern over the number of drug users turning to distraction burglary as they see it as an easy means to steal. However, in the main bogus offenders are extremely professional and organised and often travel 150 + miles to commit their crime. They will use an array of techniques to identify potential victims and work within a criminal network passing details of victims or potential targets to each other.

Typical Guises

Bogus Officials: The most common guise is that of an official: Water or other Utility Company, Local Authority / Housing Provider, Police or other emergency service. These criminals are extremely professional and can also pose as canvassers or door-to-door sales people. The offenders can be male, female and sometimes use children to distract the occupant whilst an accomplice completes the offence.

Distraction Tricksters: Offenders will distract the victim at their front door, whilst an accomplice will go around to the rear and enter the property through the back door. They may create an emergency, not giving the victim time to stop and think. Children are often used to distract the victim while their accomplice commits the offence.

Bogus Traders: Untrustworthy workmen / women offer repairs, services and maintenance to a persons home or garden. They can place extreme pressure on a person to agree to the work being carried out, and then charge an excessive amount for it, often taking their victim to the local bank to withdraw cash.

In the Mind of a Distraction Burglar
Our thanks and support go to ex. Chief Super Intendant Brian Steele (Leeds Distraction Burglary Task Force) for his relentless and determined research into distraction burglary, the offenders, the victims and his encouragement of practitioners.

The following examples are statements taken from offenders during police interviews.

How many crimes do you commit in a single day?
When we go out grafting we'll travel miles from the site. 150 aren't unusual. We'll do job after job till it gets too hot and then move on. Old people make bad witnesses, so you're unlucky if you get caught. Most good bogey teams work in two's. If you just work with travellers there's not much chance of being grassed up."

How do you target the houses you attack?
Sometimes we just drive around looking for old people's houses. I like sheltered accommodation. Once you get through the outside door they (older people) are all gathered together for you. My dad never did council houses, but I do! I've had some good tickles there. I like hoarders, people who have piles of newspapers and things. That's a good sign in any house.

Why do some people resort to violence against their victims?
"Sometimes you just know there's good pickings at the house and they won't let us in. We wait for it to be just falling dark and keep knocking on the door until they answer it, then force our way in, but we only do it when we are sure there's enough money to make it worth while. Most don't have the bottle to do that type of job. Only the best do it like that!"

Statistics correct as on 2/11/04