Keep the doorstep conmen locked out

01/03/2010

Police are aiming to lock out distraction burglars, thanks to a new campaign.

Officers will be visiting Tesco stores across the city to dish out advice on how to keep doorstep conmen and thieves at bay.

Operation Strongbow, the region's anti-bogus caller initiative, will see police talking to shoppers about the threat of the burglars.

They will also be handing out stickers encouraging vulnerable people to be on their guard and adopt the policy of "if in doubt, keep them out".

Last week, two hoodies conned their way into a 74-year-old man's home, just off Chester Road.

They pretended to know him before making their way into his home. One held him in the living room, while the other ransacked upstairs where he found thousands of pounds before fleeing.

A Home Office roadshow, backed by Operation Strongbow, Northumbria Water, EDF Energy and Tesco, has also hit the road and will be stopping off at Tesco stores in Durham this month.

Shoppers will be able to pick up discount vouchers on home security devices.

Detective Chief Inspector Rob Donaghy, of Operation Strongbow, said: "We are delighted to support the latest regional initiative in the fight against criminals who target the most vulnerable members of our communities.

"Projects like this are invaluable in raising awareness of the issue of doorstep crime."

Tesco's corporate affairs manager, Doug Wilson, added: "Tesco stores lie at the heart of a lot of communities and we are very keen to promote the message that elderly people must be cautious about letting people they don't know into their homes.

"As well as prompting householders to check for proof of identity before they open the door to callers, the stickers warn would-be criminals that the elderly person is on guard."

Last week bogus callers John McLaughlan, 39, and Derek Howe, 35, were put behind bars for eight years at Newcastle Crown Court.

They targeted people as old as 96 in homes across Washington, Boldon, Chester-le-Street, South Tyneside and Gateshead, stealing about £3,000 during their six-week spree.

The roadshow will be at the Durham city Tesco Extra store on Thursday.

To request a free Secure Your Home Pack, phone 0800 456 1213 and quote Burglary Pack.

Sunderland Echo - www.sunderlandecho.com