Community safety

Warning ‘Distraction’  Burglar
Residents should be aware of a suspect who has recently entered several houses purporting to be a gas engineer. This happened in the Copse Hill/Cottenham Park area on Friday afternoon 17th August at approx. 4.30pm.  The suspect is described as very confident with appearance as follows:

MALE/WHITE/ 5’09”/ MID 20’s/ GINGER HAIR/SLIM BUILD/GREY TOP WITH “WORM” TYPE LOGO/ JEANS/BLUE SHOES

Whilst inside the properties he has examined boilers, radiators and meters. On one occasion he asked the occupier to remain outside looking at the meter while he did something inside to the boiler. Luckily the occupier didn’t allow this to happen and followed him everywhere he went. The suspect left the address stating he would return in a couple of hours to fix some of the radiators. He then got into a white van and drove off and didn’t return. On this occasion no property was taken.

Please be aware of any unexpected callers. Always ask to see identification. If still unsure, check with your utility provider that they have arranged a visit or call police.
Genuine callers/engineers will always be happy to wait whilst you verify their identity.

If the caller makes excuses and tries to either get into your property before the checks are done or make off, you should call 999 as they are potentially a distraction burglar.

We would rather this information was called in as an emergency as it is much more difficult to trace these suspects after the event.
If you have any information about this or had a similar call, the burglary team at Wimbledon would be interested in speaking to you.

Please contact us and we can put them in touch.
PS 21VW Danny Smith
Wimbledon Park & Wimbledon Village Safer Neighbourhood Teams, C/O Wimbledon Police Station, 15-18 Queens Road
Wimbledon, SW19-8NN
Mobile: 0208 721 2452/7
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