Police issue e-fit of distraction burglary suspect (From St Helens Star)

Police issue e-fit of distraction burglary suspect

9:38am Thursday 9th July 2009

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POLICE have released an e-fit image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with a distraction burglary.

The man struck at a house on Stapleton Road, Rainhill at around 9.10am on Monday, June 29. He claimed to be carrying out a shopping survey and even produced an identity badge.

A 39-year-old woman obliged and spent around 10 minutes at her front door answering his questions. After he left, she discovered that several items, including a lap top computer, gift vouchers, cash and jewellery had been stolen.

It was only after he left that she realised she had left her back door wide open. At this stage it is suspected that the thieves had spotted the door open on a warm summer morning and made their move. As the suspect kept the woman busy at the front, his accomplice slipped through the back and made off with the items.

Police have renewed calls to members of the public not to invite anyone into their homes they do not know and contact them immediately if they are suspicious of anyone calling at their door.

Detective Inspector Ged Seddon said: “Most callers at your home are genuine, but some are not and it’s important that communities keep an eye out for one another and report any suspicious behaviour to the police.

“It is possible that this lady’s door was left open by the man conducting the survey so that others could come inside to steal her belongings. This is a frightening experience for a lady to have to go through.”

• The best defence against a doubtful caller is to have a viewer or spy hole in the door and a stout door chain.

• Always make sure visitors are who they say they are by asking to see their identity card.

• If you are in doubt, phone the company and check. If you do this don’t use the number on their card, look in the phone book. Ask the person to wait while you check and never leave the front door open.

• If the caller leaves and you are still unsure about their credibility, write down any details of the person who has called at your house, including registration numbers of cars they may be travelling in and contact the local police station.

• If someone is offering to carry out repair work on the house, ask for credentials and recommendations and should follow up on any information handed to them.

Merseyside Police would urge anyone recognises this man or who has any information about this incident to contact St Helens CID on 0151 777 1573 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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