Distraction burglary alert

North Yorkshire Police is urging residents to be on their guard about distraction burglary after two elderly residents were allegedly targeted in the Ryedale area.

The incidents occurred at Ampleforth on Friday (2 September 2022) afternoon which led to the arrest of three Teesside men at around 6pm.

The victims reported that the men had called at their homes trying to sell goods.

Cash and other items were allegedly stolen while they were distracted.

Police were alerted to the scene and carried out house-to-house and forensic enquiries along with an examination of CCTV.

While on a search of the Ampleforth area, members of the Operational Support Unit spotted the three suspects on Main Street just before 6pm and arrested them in connection with the burglaries.

Following questioning, a 20-year-old man from Middlesbrough was released on conditional bail while enquiries continue.

A 32-year-old man and a 23-year-old man, both form Stockton-on-Tees, have been released under investigation.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation can make a report via the North Yorkshire Police website or by calling 101.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Please quote reference number 12220157269 when providing details.

Keeping distraction burglary at bay

Distraction burglars often pretend to be someone they are not to gain entry to your home.

Common methods used include:

• pretending to be from a care agency, the council or a utility company investigating a gas or water leak
• seeking help to leave a note for a neighbour or even asking for a drink of water if they claim to be thirsty or unwell
• claiming to be in a hurry or emergency and needing to get into your home quickly
• working in teams, with one person distracting you while the other searches your home
• doorstep sellers

How to prevent it

Here’s some key measures you can take to prevent distraction burglary:

• use your door viewer to see who’s there
• if you open the door put the chain on first
• always ask for ID and check it with the company or organisation before letting somebody into your home
• use the phone number advertised on an official website or online, as the number on their identity card could be fake. For a utility company, call the customer service department. Close the door while you do this
• remember that genuine callers won’t mind checks. If you feel at all unsure, schedule a time for the caller to come back when a friend or relative is there
• for pre-planned appointments with utility companies, a password scheme can be set up

Always remember. "If in doubt, keep them out".

If you feel threatened or in danger by the presence of the caller, please don’t hesitate to call 999 for an emergency response.

Also report any suspicious people or vehicles in your area via the North Yorkshire Police website or by calling 101.

Even the smallest piece of information can prove to be crucial in making arrests and securing justice for victims.