Bromley Police are reminding residents to be on the lookout for distraction burglars posing as officials who are tricking their way into people’s homes, following a number of recent incidents across the borough (ten in November alone).

Common ruses used by bogus officials include dressing smartly or wearing what might look like an official uniform. They might claim to be water board officials (as in the recent cases), meter readers, or any other official sounding occupation. They will often prey on a victim’s fear – for example claiming that if they are not let in to check the water supply, the victim will be responsible for any damage. If posing as a meter reader, they will often claim they have a right to enter a property. Alternatively, offenders operate as bogus workmen, claiming that essential work needs doing. For example, they might say that they need to turn off the water supply via a stop cock as there’s a leak or claim that a leaking roof needs to be fixed.

Detective Sergeant Miles Fuller from Bromley Police said “This is an evil crime. Cowardly and dishonest criminals deliberately ruin the lives of decent, honest and vulnerable people – people who have worked hard for what little they have and who are in every sense the most undeserving of victims.

Pretending to be from a utility like ‘the Water Board’ or ‘the Gas Company’ is the most common technique that these callous thieves use to trick their way into peoples homes. We really need to get the message home to people, particularly the elderly who are the most likely targets, that they should never let anyone into their homes without being shown the correct identification. By following a few simple steps this despicable crime could so easily be avoided.

I would also ask people to keep an eye out for vulnerable neighbours and if you see anything suspicious or if you have had a dubious caller at your door, please report it to the police immediately. We need your help to ensure these criminals are brought to justice.”

Police are reminding residents:

Before opening your door, check who’s calling and if someone calls who you do not recognise keep the door chain on. Remember that you are under no obligation to speak with any cold callers. If you are not happy, you do not need to open your door. “If in doubt, keep them out.” Turn them away. That is your right. If you are at all suspicious of anyone, do not hesitate to call us via 999.

Check the caller’s appearance and ask for identification, which should include a photo. Genuine utility workers will wear a uniform and drive a company-signed vehicle. These burglars will often say that they are from the “water board”, “gas board” or “electricity board.” A genuine caller would never use such terms because “boards” ceased to exist when those industries were privatised. The burglars use phrases like this because they think that elderly residents will be familiar with them. If genuine, they will be from one of the privatised companies and will have photo identification to prove it. There should be a number to call so that you can confirm the caller is genuine. Any legitimate caller or official will not mind waiting outside while you ring the number to check.

Many utility companies will have a verified password scheme. If you have registered for this scheme and the caller cannot give the password, do not let them in.

The safest place for your money is in the bank. It’s best not to keep large amounts of cash at home.

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Bromley Police are reissuing their warning regarding frauds targeting the elderly and vulnerable after a recent increase in these offences across Bromley, with one resident losing her £26,000 life savings.

Elderly residents have been receiving unsolicited telephone calls from fraudsters purporting to be from the police fraud squad or their bank. The fraudster will state that there is an ongoing investigation into fraudulent payments on their bank account/card.
The person will be asked to ring the police/bank back using the phone number printed on the back of their bank card or by calling 999. This helps to convince the person that the call is genuine. However, the fraudster has kept the telephone line open so even though the person has dialled a number, the call does not go through. Instead they are unknowingly still connected with the fraudster.
The victim is asked to provide their full bank card details and key in their PIN so that their existing card can be “cancelled” and a new one “activated” or “authorised.” The fraudster will then explain that the bank will need to collect the card. The fraudster will then attend the person’s address or send an innocent courier company driver to collect the card. The fraudster, having obtained the person’s name, address, full bank details, the card itself and the PIN, then used the card to empty the victim’s bank account.

Fraudsters have also pretended to be from the police cold calling members of the public claiming to be from the Economic Crime Department and that the person’s bank account has been compromised by criminals. The fraudster suggests that the person should withdraw the money for collection by a police representative for safekeeping until the investigation was complete.

Detective Inspector Louise Knipe from Bromley Police said: “If you receive such a call end it immediately. The police will never ask you for any money, either to assist with an investigation, or for safekeeping. Your bank will never attend your home, your bank and the police will never collect your bank card, your bank and the police will never ask for your PIN. If you do receive any call that you are suspicious about, please speak with a younger family member or relative before giving out any details or withdrawing any money and also contact the police”.

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Bromley Police are warning residents to be wary of pick-pockets, after a recent spate of offences in The Glades Shopping Centre and around Bromley Town Centre.

The victims in each case had withdrawn money from a cash point before beginning shopping. Whilst they were shopping they were approached by a man and woman, who claimed they had paint on their coat and pretended to be wiping it off. Whilst distracted one of the suspects would steal the victim’s wallet/purse.

The suspects are both described as being white, with eastern European accents. The male is believed to be in his 50’s.

Bromley Police would suggest taking following precautions whilst out shopping in order to avoid becoming the victim of a pick-pocket or purse-dipper:

• Carry your bag close to you with the clasp facing inwards. Keep it zipped up, and make sure your wallet or purse can’t be seen. Don’t carry large amounts of cash.
• When at a bar, restaurant or cafe keep your belongings safe. Keep bags where you can see them but out of reach of passers by. Use bag hooks under tables if they are available.
• If you use your mobile phone on the street be aware of your surroundings whilst you’re on the phone and after your call has ended.
• Spread your possessions about – keep your mobile phone separate from your purse, and your keys separate from your credit card.
• Beware when using cash dispensers. Criminals target people when using these machines.
• Cover up any expensive jewellery and, if you must carry other valuables, be discreet.

Anyone with any information should contact Bromley Police’s CID on 020 8284 8859 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.