An elderly man fell victim to a distraction burglary as two men made off with a sum of money from his county Armagh home.
The man, from the Drumanphy Road area of Portadown, reported that, on Friday shortly before 4.30pm, an unknown man called to his home enquiring about replacing electricity poles.
When the householder went outside and came back into his house there were two unknown males inside. They ran out the front door. It is believed they left the scene in a car.
Police also received a report that sometime between 1.00pm and 2.00pm on Friday, January 9 two unknown males had called to the house of an elderly woman in the Millview Park area of Richill.
They claimed that they were there to check her cooker. They entered the house, looked at the cooker and then left. It is not believed that anything has been stolen.
Further to that, police received a report that shortly before 4pm on the very same a man in the Cloveneden Road area of Loughgall had observed three men acting suspiciously at the rear of his home. They were in a silver car.
When challenged by the householder, he was told that they were ‘looking for someone’.
The caller felt that their actions were suspicious.
Appealing for information, Detective Inspector Keith Gawley said: “I would appeal to anyone who was in any of these areas and noticed any suspicious activity to contact Detectives at Newry on the non-emergency number 101. Or, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.
“I would also remind everyone to be vigilant of this type of crime. You should remember that any genuine caller to your door will have identification which you have every right to ask for and verify.”
Everyone should follow this advice when dealing with unexpected visitors:
• Before answering your door, ensure your back door is locked.
• Think before you open the door – use your chain and spy hole or look out of the window to see if you recognise them.
• Ask callers for proof of identity. Genuine tradesmen should carry a photographic identification card. Check this carefully. If you are unsure, telephone QuickCheck on 0800 013 22 90.
• Beware of callers who attempt to distract you by claiming that they have seen something untoward in your rear garden or somewhere that may encourage you to leave your house – they may have an accomplice who is waiting to act upon this distraction.
• If you are not convinced of the identity of the caller, don’t let them in. Ask the caller to come back later and arrange for a friend, relative or neighbour to be present on their return.
Neighbours can also play a part in helping protect the more vulnerable in their community. Residents should try to look out for one another and report ALL suspicious activity to the police immediately. The non emergency police number is 101. In an emergency dial 999.
ectives at Newry on the non-emergency number 101. Or, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.
“I would also remind everyone to be vigilant of this type of crime. You should remember that any genuine caller to your door will have identification which you have every right to ask for and verify.
“Everyone should follow this advice when dealing with unexpected visitors:
• Before answering your door, ensure your back door is locked.
• Think before you open the door – use your chain and spy hole or look out of the window to see if you recognise them.
• Ask callers for proof of identity. Genuine tradesmen should carry a photographic identification card. Check this carefully. If you are unsure, telephone QuickCheck on 0800 013 22 90.
• Beware of callers who attempt to distract you by claiming that they have seen something untoward in your rear garden or somewhere that may encourage you to leave your house – they may have an accomplice who is waiting to act upon this distraction.
• If you are not convinced of the identity of the caller, don’t let them in. Ask the caller to come back later and arrange for a friend, relative or neighbour to be present on their return.
“Neighbours can also play a part in helping protect the more vulnerable in their community. Residents should try to look out for one another and report ALL suspicious activity to the police immediately. The non emergency police number is 101. In an emergency dial 999.”
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