WHAT IS DISTRACTION BURLARY?

Distraction burglary is a type of burglary where by the 'method of entry' is by trick rather than the the typical forced or sneak entry. There is no legal definition of distraction burglary.

A Burglar is someone who:

Enters any building or part of a building as a trespasser who steals anything in that building or part of it or inflicts or attempts to inflict on any person therein any grievous bodily harm.

The most common guise adopted is that of an official, for example, employee of a utility company or as a council worker, police or other official. They also pose as canvassers or door to door sales people. The offenders can be male or female and sometimes use children to distract the occupant whilst an accomplice completes the offence.

The full offence of burglary is committed in these circumstances as the entry, although allowed by the occupant, is not given by true consent.

Bogus Traders

Another method of 'tricking' older and vulnerable people is criminal deception. The offenders are often the same, but they purport to be tradespeople, offering repairs, services and maintenance to homes and gardens. They will often carry out inferior work (sometimes no work at all) and charge exorbitant fees. They place extreme pressure on vulnerable people to obtain monies and sometimes accompany older people to banks and building societies to withdraw cash. They do not accept cheques as these can be traced. These offences are notoriously difficult to prove as the offender hides behind the defence of providing a service, which they consider to be at a justifiable price. This can be challenged but often requires the involvement of qualified surveyors, trading standards or other experts - a course of action, which victims often do not pursue. There have however been a number of highly successful prosecutions.

DISTRACTION BURGLARY - THE FACTS

Reported distraction burglaries, make up 3.5% of overall burglary dwelling offences. The offences are low volume in comparison to other crimes and often therefore do not reach the key Police priority threshold. Detection rates are generally lower than for burglary dwellings, at rates of between 4% and 6%.

Who are the victims?

* 77% of victims were female
* 23% were male
* 74% of victims lived alone
* 26% lived with someone
* 12% lived in sheltered accommodation
* The average age of victims was 78 years

Who are the offenders?

They travel the country, choosing locations with high density of older residents or mixed communities within easy access of main or arterial roads. Surveillance information gathered suggests tens and sometimes hundreds of miles are travelled between offences. Offenders move on following a concentrated period of offending. The constant movement also makes detection both difficult and expensive compounded, by the incapabiliity of police crime recording systems. This however, is set to change with forces exchanging data using secured telephone lines.

Who do offenders work with?

Offenders have a network of connections.There is a close relationship with the so-called 'prop' men; property repairers who trick older people into parting with large sums of money and distraction burglars. These criminals are known to sell on victims details. In some areas of the country, chalk marks are left on the pavements by an accomplice who may have made an initial 'cold call' to identify properties inhabited by older and other vulnerable people.

Anecdotal information also suggests that prolific offenders respnd less to rehabilitation and often learnt their skills from their parents during childhood.

How do Offenders carry out their crimes?

Offenders adjust their means of gaining entry, their 'modus operandi' to the local environment. One example would be that, having identified their street or area, offenders will look to see if any road or cabling works is being undertaken. They then visit the homes selected, professing to be working for such companies, often pointing to the companies' van by way of seeking endorsement. A panic situation is created linked to the works and entry to the home urgently requested. offenders use psychological tactics and use their authoratative stance to gain entry. Offenders are sophisticated in their searching methods and attuned to the thinking patterns of their victims.

As people become older, their visual and physical impairment also increases. Often, although not always, premises are identifiable through visible signs of neglect - the style of decor, and the state of repair and maintenance. Some offenders are know to sniff through the letterboxes of potential victims homes.

Offenders will also target homes with visible signs of infirmity, for example handrails or ramps.

Why do people become victims?

Many older people become increasingly isolated following the bereavement of a partner or close friend, with isolation increasing as they lose friends. Older and vulnerable people are less likely to be victims in areas where there are visible and subtle signs of a caring and supportive community. Such signs include active Neighbourhood Watch, resident groups or the visible presence of a local housing caretaker or warden. There have also been some cases of chiropodists who have identified un-reported distraction burglaries through talking to vulnerable clients while visiting their homes.

The gains made by offenders

This offence is sometimes classed as 'petty crime'. However, perpetrators can make thousands of pounds from one offence. Others drain smaller amounts from victims over a longer period of time. Victims are perceived as wealthy. Some offenders have been found to have over £500,000 in bank accounts.

What do victims do?

Under reporting of crime is common for a number of reasons including:

* Embarrassment: How could they have allowed themselves to be conned in such a way? The person seemed so genuine is often said.

* Fear or intimidation: The offender may have added pressure on the older person not to tell anyone. Victims may fear losing their independant living.

* Not aware that they are a victim: Often victims do not realise something has been taken, for hours, days or even weeks. In such cases they are more likely to question their own judgement and memory rather than admit that they have been a victim.

* A belief that reporting the crime is futile: Feelings of great loss and powerlessness often ensue. These are compunded by emotions generated by othe life events, a recent bereavement may take up all spare emotional capacity. As a result, victims often think it is pointless and unecessary to report the incident and in many cases to even mention it to friends and relatives