POLICE AND NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH ALERTS

This page is to alert the public on anything local that might result in crime and to safeguard the vulnerable and elderly.

POLICE ADVICE FOR RESIDENTS WITH CALLERS AT THE DOOR

1) Use a door chain or speak through the door.
2) Always ask for and inspect identification cards. Do not phone the number given by the caller but check it out in the phone book.
3) If you hear the phrase water board, gas board, electricity board that tells you they are bogus.
4) It is your home and no-one has the right to enter if you do not wish them to.
5) The Police are very keen to check out anyone you think is suspicious so do not hesitate to dial 999 and alert them. It could save other elderly people from a distressing burglary.

HOW TO REDUCE THE RISK

Do not open your front door until you have locked your back door.
Use a door chain on the front door before opening.
Ask for ID, take the card and close the door.
Ring the number on the callers card to check their identity but listen carefully to ensure that you have the correct number.
If the caller is bogus he could have gone so immediately phone 999 to alert the police to the area.

ALERT 6

On the 4th June 2008 an Anglian Water van was stolen in the north of the county. Registration FE07DNF. Anglian Water clothing and ID were in the stolen van, a Vauxhall Vivaro.

ALERT 5

In Leicestershire during the week commencing 7th April 2008 several reports have been received of a company which is visiting elderly people in the area with a view to buying their old furniture and ornaments. This company specialises in the buying and selling of antique furniture and ornaments as well as works of art.
However, reports suggest that the company is employing high pressure tactics to encourage elderly residents to part with their furniture and valuables, sometimes at prices well below their true value. On several occasions, despite being asked not to, they have made a second visit.

If anyone experiences such a visit from a company wanting to buy old furniture or art and they feel pressurised or bullied they should tell their caller to leave and call the Police immediately on 0116 2222 222 and give as much information as possible.

ALERT 4

Distraction burglaries in the week 31st March -4th April 2008.
1) Lambourne Road, Birstall. Person called at the door to check the water stop-cock. Possibly driving a small white van which included KV02 in its registration.
2) Barrons way, Mountsorrel.2 males, one in his 30's and the other early teens, called at the door and said that they were from the Water Board. The 'Water Board' has not existed since 1989.
3) Glenfrith Road, Mountsorrel. used a 'delivery of parcel' to gain access.Stolen white Citroen including KV03FR in the registration.
4) Leicester Road, Mountsorrel. No details available.

ALERT 3

On Sunday 24th February 2008 a man appeared in a garden in Templar Way, Rothley, conned his way into the house and said that he was looking for his dog. Whilst the occupant was distracted a handbag was stolen.
Please check on the information above to ensure that this does not happen to you.

ALERT 2

Items of clothing belonging to Anglian Water have been stolen from a vehicle in Great Bowden, Leics. between 6pm on Friday 29th December 2007 and 5am on Saturday 30th December 2007. It is feared that these clothes could be used by bogus callers to obtain entry to homes, particularly the elderly.

ALERT 1

DISTRACTION BURGLARIES BEAUMONT LEYS AREA

On Monday 14th January 2008 a number of distraction burglaries in the Beaumont Leys area of Leicester were reported to the Police.
The suspects in each case obtained access by going to the rear of the property and knocking on a back door. The occupants then answered the door to a male claiming to be from the 'Water Board'. The suspect has then stated that they need immediate access due to a flood or problem at a neighbours address. The occupants are then asked to go upstairs and turn on the taps and wait for further instructions. The suspects remain downstairs with immediate access to any handbags, wallets or other valuables before making their exit.