Free spyholes to protect householders in Ealing

05/06/2007

Distraction burglars are all too common these days, and they prey on the vulnerable and the elderly. Posing as officials from utility companies, tradespeople, police officers, council officers, or other official visitors, they often dress smartly or wear a uniform. And once they have gained access to a property, they pretend to be doing work - and then steal cash and other valuables.

To protect residents from conmen and burglars, Ealing Council is fitting free security spy hole intercom devices so they can see and speak to unexpected callers without having to open their door. In this pilot scheme, more than 100 people aged over 70 have already received spy hole intercom devices, and a further 70 have registered for fittings in the coming months.

Councillor Sue Emment, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, said: “Distraction burglars prey on easy targets and some of the most vulnerable people in our community. This deceptive crime can be extremely distressing, particularly for older residents. We are working hard with the police and other partners to raise awareness and ensure residents are protected against this despicable and cowardly crime.”

The £16,500 project is funded by Ealing Council’s Trading Standards and Community Safety teams and the Safer Ealing Partnership. Supported by Ealing Police, it is initially being rolled out to the Hobbayne and Northfield ward areas, with contract locksmiths installing the devices. Between 1st January and 22nd May this year, there were 48 alleged incidents of distraction burglary across Ealing borough, compared to 39 alleged incidents during the same period last year.

Sergeant Dave Williams of Hobbayne Safer Neighbourhood Police Team said: “Statistics show that the typical victim of distraction burglary is most likely to be an elderly female living alone. It is for this reason that this project is so important."

In addition, Ealing Council’s Trading Standards team, in partnership with the Metropolitan Police and Consumer Direct, has produced 2,000 distraction burglary prevention leaflets and stickers, which can be fixed to the inside of front doors. They remind residents not to open their door to strangers and that they have every right to ask people to leave.

The police have also advised residents that these burglars will often say that they are from the "water board", "gas board" or "electricity board." A genuine caller would never use such terms because "boards" ceased to exist when those industries were privatised. The burglars use phrases like this because they think that elderly residents will be familiar with them. If genuine, they will be from one of the privatised companies and will have photo identification to prove it. There should also be a number to call so that they can be confirmed as genuine.

Residents who would like to find out more about the project should contact Georgina Wady, Community Safety Liaison Officer, on 020 8825 7018.