Officers from the Urban Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) have been educating residents in Balby about doorstep crime, such as distraction burglars and bogus officials and offering advice about how they can prevent themselves becoming a victim.

Working in partnership with staff from Doncaster Council and the Lifewise Centre, officers attended the Cedar Social Education Centre and the Westbourne Gardens Community Centre in Balby. Both these centres provide care for elderly and vulnerable adults, who are usually the main targets for distraction burglars.

The officers took part in role-plays with the residents showing them how distraction burglars will try to trick their way into their homes by appearing as bogus officials, using convincing guises and appropriate dress. They gave them tips and advice on how to stop them getting into their homes and what to do if they do become a victim of a doorstep crime.

Distraction burglars aim to trick their way into properties to commit crime. They commonly pose as representatives of utility services, such as gas or water suppliers. There will usually be two or more ‘bogus callers’, as one will aim to distract you while the other attempts to steal your property.

Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Kay Shackleton said: "Bogus official crimes target the most vulnerable people within our society and cause immeasurable amounts of distress to victims and their families. They are very convincing and can usually get into the person’s home by pretending to be from a company, or in some cases asking for a drink or to use the toilet. We hope these workshops will educate residents about how to spot a bogus official and prevent themselves from becoming a victim. The message is simple ‘Not sure? Don’t open the door."