Geoff Cannon Community Safety Sgt. Beth Shire Crime Reduction Advisor
DOORSTEP CRIME CRIME REDUCTION METHODS
EXTRACTS FROM THE POLICE DISTRACTION BURGLARY PROBLEM PROFILE PRODUCED JULY 2008
“For the last three years Bath sector has been the sector with the highest number of distraction offences in the force area.”
2005 42 2006 47 2007 36 2008 32 2009 44 2010 3
Distraction Burglaries Distraction Burglaries Distraction burglaries are often committed by highly organised teams of offenders active at a national level and capable of committing offences countrywide in a short space of time. The offenders have an excellent understanding of police policies and systems, and exploit their knowledge to avoid detection and capture.
Distraction offences are more likely to occur in areas where there is a high level of sheltered accommodation and retirement homes A significant number of offences occur at sheltered accommodation and retirement homes themselves and offenders in the area will also target other nearby private properties .
Rogue Traders Rogue Traders “ Distraction burglary offenders and trading standards offenders will utilise the same techniques in selecting and targeting victims. Information on an area will be exchanged between offenders committing distraction offences and trading standards offences”.
What’s being done to combat these crimes? Bobby Van Crime Prevention talks Neighbourhood Watch involvement Media articles and local publicity Trickster’ Event Pro-active front – line Policing (trigger plans) Memocams
Multi - Agency Doorstep Crime Forum set up Sept. 2008 •Agencies working together (e.g. Wiltshire Farm Foods / Police) •Agency newsletters •‘No Cold Calling Zones’ being set up in Bath •Raising awareness with professionals and carers •Increasing Police intelligence and knowledge of offenders / suspects
DISTRACTION BURGLARIES - A SNAPSHOT IN TIME
ROGUE TRADERS Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008
It lists 31 banned practices that are criminal offences. They include; •Ignoring a consumers request to leave their home during a visit •Incorrectly claiming to be a member of a code of practice or showing a trust mark or similar. •Incorrectly claiming approval for work or goods. •Falsely claiming that a product will only be available for a limited time to pressure a sale. •Inaccurately claiming a consumer is at risk if they don’t buy goods. •Stating that the sellers jobs or livelihoods are in jeopardy if the consumer doesn’t buy their goods or services.
There are also offences for: Pressure selling’ ‘ Misleading omissions False or deceptive statements and ‘Unfair Commercial Practices’
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