Who are the offenders ?

They travel the country, chosing locations with high density of older residents or mixed communities within easy access of main arterial roads. Surveillance information gathered suggests tens and sometimes hundreds of miles are travelled between offences. Offenders move on following a concentrated period of offending. The constant movement also makes detection both difficult and expensive.

How do offenders carry out their crimes ?

Offenders adjust their means of gaining entry, their 'modus operandi' to the local environment. One example would be that, having identified their street or area, offenders will look to see if any road or cabling works is being undertaken. They then visit the homes selected, professing to be working for such companies, often pointing to the companies' van by way of seeking endorsement. A panic situation is created linked to the works and entry to the home urgently requested. Offenders use psycological tactics and use their authorative stance to gain entry. Offenders are sophisticated in their searching methods and attuned to the thinking patterns of their victims.

As people become older, their visual and physical impairment also increases. Often, although not always, premises are identifiable through visible signs of neglect - the style of decor, and the state of repair and maintenance. Some offenders are known to sniff through the letterboxes of potential victim's homes.

Offenders will also target homes with visible signs of infirmaty, for example handrails or ramps.

Whilst this could potentially be worrying, some simple precautions can eliminate a distraction burglary from happening.

What do victims do ?

Embarrassment.
How could they have allowed themselves to be conned in such a way ? The person seemed so genuine is often said.

Fear or intimidation
The offender may have added pressure on the older person to tell anyone. Victims may fear losing their independent living.

Not aware they are a victim.
Often victims do not realise something is taken, for hours, days or even weeks. In such cases they are more likely to question their own judgement and memory rather than admit that they have been a victim.

A belief that reporting the crime is futile.
Feelings of great loss and powerlessness often ensue. These are compounded by emotions generated by other life events, a recent bereavement may take up all spare emotional capacity. As a result, victims often think it pointless and unnecessary to report the incidient and in many cases to even mention it to friends and relatives.