Incs 157 & 374 1 February

Police are again issuing a warning to householders to be cautious of doorstep callers following distraction burglaries in Whitnash and Clifton upon Dunsmore.

In Clifton upon Dunsmore at around 8.30pm on Monday evening (1 February) a man called at the home of an 88 year old man and after telling him he was a police officer said he needed to check the windows in his home in case there had been any attempted forced entry.

The man came in and started talking to the householder, who then noticed that another man and a woman had followed the first man in and were going in and out of rooms in his house.

The householder attempted to push the first man out of his home, but failed to do so, he then attempted to phone the police, but one of the intruders restrained his arms preventing him from doing so.

All three left the property and it is believed they got into a vehicle.

The first man, who called at the house initially is described as being a large “hefty” man with black hair. He was dressed all in black.

The second male is described as being small. The female is described as having blonde hair and was wearing a hoodie with the hood up.

Northamptonshire Police have reported a similar offence in nearby Crick a short while later. Police from Warwickshire and Northamptonshire are working together to examine the similarities between the two incidents.

A police spokesperson said, “All police officers carry a warrant card showing the force they work for, their photograph, name and collar number, which they clearly show when calling at an address. Anyone wishing to check on the validity of someone purporting to be a Warwickshire Police Officer should dial 01926 415000 and ask for the name to be checked. Police officers will not mind waiting while you make this check.

In the second incident in Whitnash, which is not believed to be linked to the Clifton upon Dunsmore incident, a man wearing a black waterproof jacket with the word “Watershield” on it and an identity card also bearing the name “Watershield”, called at a house in Greenhill Road, Whitnash at around 12.10pm on Monday 1 February.

The man said he was selling double glazing and asked to come in and discuss his product. The householder agreed to have some work done and the intruder asked for £300 deposit, which the householder gave him from a wallet. The man then asked the householder to go out and look at the outside of the window. While he was outside the stranger left the property unseen.

The householder then found that a further £800 had been taken form his wallet.

Police remind all householders they should keep their front and back doors locked, even when they are in the house.

If someone calls put the security chain on the door before opening it, even if you are expecting someone.

Ask to see an identity card, take the card from them and close the door, leaving the caller outside.

Examine the card closely and find a number for the company in your telephone directory to ring them up and check on the identity of the caller. Do not use the number on the card as this could be answered by an accomplice.

If you have any doubts ask the caller to come back at a more convenient time.

If you require any work done on your home ask friends and neighbours for a recommendation, or find a name from a local trade directory or telephone directory. Do not agree to have work done by someone who cold calls at your home.

Ask for a written quotation for any work, ensuring the information is given to you on headed notepaper with an address and contact telephone number for the company.

Remember you do not need to let a stranger into your home, even if they claim it is an emergency.

If you have any doubts call the police.

ends