The Locksmith Journal Mar-Apr 2015 - Issue 37 | Page 20

20 • industrynewS PROUD SPONSORS OF THIS PAGE Reward of up to £3,000 for information on distraction burglars »»Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £3,000 for information on a gang of distraction burglars who have targeted elderly homeowners in the South East. The suspects are believed to be working in a team of three of four and are responsible for as many as 35 incidents across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Essex, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Surrey and London since August 2014. Homeowners in their 70s, 80s and 90s are being duped in to letting the gang in to their homes with false stories about burst pipes, gas explosions, water leaks or simply a lost football. The gang has also tricked their way in to properties by pretending to be from the council or local police. Once inside the property, the suspects distract the victim in order to steal valuable belongings. Crimestoppers,is now offering a reward for information which leads to their arrest and conviction. Julia Hughes, Regional Manager for Crimestoppers, said: “This is a despicable series of crimes against elderly and vulnerable people in their own homes. We should all feel safe and secure at home and these incidents will have left the victims feeling anxious and scared. It’s time this gang was brought to justice. We don’t take personal details and we can’t trace calls or information given online.We don’t want to know who you are, just what you know.” Hertfordshire police have released images of three men