
Dear member,
In the past few days we have had eight distraction burglaries reported to us from the Cambridge city and South Cambs areas. Some of them may be linked and we have teams of officers investigating them.
However, there is something that every resident can do to help.
Please look out for your vulnerable or elderly relatives or neighbors. These offenders generally target people who are old, or have a disability of some kind as often they are seen as more vulnerable and essentially, easy to con.
They try to enter homes under false pretenses to take cash, or anything of value before making a quick exit. As you can imagine, it often leaves the victims confused and upset. In the most recent offences, the men doing this have said they are either police officers (which they weren't) or from the 'Water board' which is not only fictitious but also a lie.
Sometimes simple measures have prevented these thieves from entering the
victim's home. Just a chain on the door helps, and if the resident makes a big deal of checking ID, the offender can become worried, or impatient and just leave.
If you notice anything suspicious in your street, always report it.
And if you have vulnerable neighbours, please look out for them. It can't hurt checking that they know what to do when someone strange is at their door, or reminding them about putting on their chain.
The most recent ones have taken place in Bliss Way, Cambridge; Gilbert
Close, Cambridge; Coolidge Gardens, Cottenham; Mowbray Road, Cambridge;
Magna Close, Great Abington; Chalmers Road, Cambridge; Radegund Road,
Cambridge and Orchard Close, Girton.
Thanks again,
Your neighbourhood team.