Burglary Artifice

Oakleigh Ward CAP team and NHW coordinators

I spoke to Paul Hammond at Colindale this morning and he advised me that there is a large increase in artifice burglaries, mostly the culprits are following the common tactic of alleging they are from one of the utility companies (electricity, gas or water) and the Finchley area was badly hit last weekend.

However, a new tactic has also emerged, a few people have had water thrown over them and when they return home to change they have been followed by a female who has knocked on their door, she claims to have witnessed the incident and encourages them to change but while they do so she relieves them of as many valuables as she can and disappears.

Please warn all your friends and neighbours, particularly the older folks who are more likely to react adversely to this sort of shock.

There has also been a large increase in the number of high value cars stolen from driveways, if possible keep cars in the garage and keep both car and garage locked. The thieves do not seem to be deterred by alarms on cars or houses, if they can see keys left on hall tables. If you see anyone loitering near cars or on driveways, do not hesitate, dial 999.

Bob Vice for Boroughwatch