Detectives in Brent are investigating a number of distraction burglaries where cash and bank cards were stolen.
Throughout the month of September, there have been ten burglaries across Cricklewood and Harlesden.
The burglaries mostly occur in the afternoon to evenings and appear to target elderly victims.
The two male suspects pose as plumbers and knock on the resident’s doors to say there is an issue with the water. No identification is shown.
Once inside, one of the suspects will talk to the occupants as the other goes through the victims’ belongings in adjacent rooms.
Suspect one is described as a stocky black man in his mid-30s, 6ft tall with short hair.
Suspect two is described as a very thin white man with pale complexion, 5ft 8ins tall in his 30s with a large gap in his teeth
There have been no arrests.
Detective Constable Matthew Corbin from Brent CID said: “It is terrifying for these vulnerable victims to be victimised in what should be the ‘safety’ of their own homes.
If you have an unexpected visitor, please use a door chain or spy whole and check for Identification. If they do not have ID or if you have any doubts, do not let them in and call police.
“We would urge anyone with information about these burglaries to get in touch as soon as possible.”
If you can assist police with their enquiries, call Brent CID on 07747476161, or tweet @Metcc. To call anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Residents are advised to:
Distraction burglary crime prevention advice can be found on the Metropolitan Police website https://www.met.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/
Always be cautious about any unknown man, woman, or child who comes to your door, without arranging it with you first.
Always check who’s at the door. Use your door viewer, or look through your front window to see who is there. Don’t open it if you feel anxious.
Genuine emergency service personnel or trades’ people should carry photo ID.
Keep the door closed while you check it thoroughly, and call their office if you feel unsure. Any genuine caller will not mind waiting.
Be wary of anyone who claims they are in a hurry and needs to get into your home quickly.
Never keep large amounts of cash in your home.
Never let anyone take you to the bank to withdraw money.
If you feel at all unsure, schedule a time for the caller to come back again when a friend or relative can be with you
