Artifice Burglary

Police (1)
We have received the following alert from PC Siobhan Smith of Harold Wood Neighbourhood Policing Team:
“Dear Harold Wood Resident
On Thursday the 27th of August 2015 police were notified of an Artifice Burglary in Harold Wood. This means that that a person/s pretend to be from an organisation and by doing so gain the confidence and trust of the resident to enter the premises in order to commit burglary or a crime.
There were two males that committed this offence.  They informed the resident that they were from the council however they were dressed in casual clothing and did not provide any identification.  They also stated that they were carrying out work at their next door neighbour’s house and needed to enter his/her property to ascertain if they had a drainage issue by testing the water in the kitchen.  They then proceeded to the garden also checking the garage and garden.  As one of the males was being shown around by the resident the other male searched the house.
Both males were approx 40 years of age, white English.  If any person should knock on your door that say they are from the council please ask for identification.  Do not allow them in your property if in any doubt.  Contact the Local council to verify that this is a genuine visit.  If you see any males knocking at your neighbours doors please contact the police non emergency telephone number which is 101 and try and provide a full description of the males in question.  For example, what they are wearing, direction of travel, any vehicles used and their registration number.”
You can find more information from our local Safer Neighbourhood Team at  http://content.met.police.uk/Team/Havering/Haroldwood

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