2 Distraction Burglaries. Is this a new crime craze?

GlynD

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-13822770

It seems that there've been two "distraction burglaries" in the last couple of days. One in Belfast and one in Crumlin. Far too close to home for comfort. I don't know about anyone else here but I'm certainly taking note because this could happen to any of us who are older or vulnerable and maybe too trusting to people who come to the front door claiming to be from the water board or NIE.

I know I'm going to be more careful checking ID cards in the future.

beautifullybroken

Local older neighbours have been getting younger children at the door saying a ball has been kicked into their garden can the house owner go get it and whilst they do the child runs into the house grabs a handbag/valuable and runs off again.
It was in the local press warning people if they do get callers at the door to close the door and lock it whilst going to check to see if they do have a ball to retrieve.

It must be awful being an older person possibly alone or vulnerable knowing there are a lot of bad people who could be targeting them.

caz2703

Just read about a distraction burglary in the Kilmaine area of Bangor. Man called to door and asked to check an elderly ladies taps and while distracting her another man nicked her handbag. Lady left very shaken but unharmed thankfully.

Seems there are scum bags everywhere :mad:

PasturesNew

I keep thinking a door that has a small opening window at head height would be a good idea. You see them sometimes in films about places like Morocco etc.... so you don't open the door, just the little window thing.

The trouble with old people is that the ability to judge people and be savvy about people's intentions is one of the faculties that goes first. Even so, it's tough saying to somebody "I'm just shutting this door in your face"

GlynD

caz2703 wrote: »

Just read about a distraction burglary in the Kilmaine area of Bangor. Man called to door and asked to check an elderly ladies taps and while distracting her another man nicked her handbag. Lady left very shaken but unharmed thankfully.

Seems there are scum bags everywhere :mad:

You're very right about that. Most of what we're hearing on the news is happening in Belfast, which isn't surprising as it's got the largest population, but organised crime gangs can be up and down the motorways several times a day deliberately targeting the elderly and vulnerable.

It's a horrible crime and isn't the type of thing we associate with Ulster. I guess the 21st century has caught up with us.

caz2703

PasturesNew wrote: »

I keep thinking a door that has a small opening window at head height would be a good idea. You see them sometimes in films about places like Morocco etc.... so you don't open the door, just the little window thing.

The trouble with old people is that the ability to judge people and be savvy about people's intentions is one of the faculties that goes first. Even so, it's tough saying to somebody "I'm just shutting this door in your face"

I'm worried about my old neighbours as I know the husband can be easily swayed. I was in their house one day when a charity called and were trying to get him to increase his direct debit. The wife said this happens quite regularly and they don't give up. Felt like ripping the phone line out of the wall. If that happens again while I'm there I'm afraid I'd have to say something to the caller.

It disgusts me how people can target those who are vulnerable but then I was brought up rather than dragged up.

Old_Git

a few years ago I knew an elderly person who lived in the Botanic area off Belfast .
A man called at the door and said he would clean the windows .He went upstairs ,a few minutes later he appeared and said she had a broken window .She gave him £45 to fix it .Off course there was no broken window and he was never seen again.

qwert_yuiop

I sometimes worry about my elderly parents living up a long lane in a rural district. That's because anyone breaking in will be killed by my Korean War veteran dad. Both barrels and a bayonet.

GlynD

qwert_yuiop wrote: »

I sometimes worry about my elderly parents living up a long lane in a rural district. That's because anyone breaking in will be killed by my Korean War veteran dad. Both barrels and a bayonet.

Old Rifleman is he?

qwert_yuiop

Imjin river

Ticked

Fight crime. Shoot back.