| Significant Progress In The Fight Against Distraction Burglars
Latest figures have revealed that detectives tasked with tackling the number of distraction burglaries in Sussex are starting to make significant progress. Rolling year-on-year figures show that reported incidents are currently down 21.64%.
The detection level for distraction burglary has also seen a major improvement, with the figure currently standing at 13.33% - a considerable rise from the figure of 3.84% in September 2007.
Distraction burglaries are a top priority for Sussex Police and the ongoing investigation into them is called 'Operation Inroad'. Distraction burglars typically target the most vulnerable members of our communities, particularly the elderly.
A common technique used to con their way into a victims home is to claim they are workmen or women, usually from an organisation such as a water company, and need to gain access. Often working in pairs, once inside, one of the burglars will typically talk to the victim in one room while the other offender is elsewhere in the property stealing valuables or cash.
Officers from the Operation Inroad team have recently made what they believe to be five significant arrests. Three of those arrested have subsequently been charged with numerous distraction burglaries and detectives are optimistic about making further charges in the near future.
Detective Inspector Rob Walker, who is responsible for coordinating Operation Inroad, said:"Distraction burglary is a hideous crime that causes great distress to the most vulnerable members of our community. We take it extremely seriously and are doing all we can to tackle it."The Operation Inroad team have been doing an enormous amount of proactive work, involving numerous people within the force. Sussex Police are also working closely with other regional forces, as offenders can travel considerable distances, often crossing police force boundaries, to target their victims. Because of this, we are far more effective working together with other forces. Advances in forensic science have also provided new opportunities to track down offenders."These latest figures are extremely encouraging and it is a real focus of ours to continue this trend and drive the crime out of Sussex. When it occurs, distraction burglary has a huge impact on victims and it is vital we continue this progress." | I would like to wish Dawn Shepherd of Kings Road Lancing well in the future as she is moving to Worthing. Thank you,very much Dawn for your assistance over the years and as an Area Co-ordinator. Mrs Black of Norbury Drive, Mrs Haywood of Bridge Close, Carol Angel of Shopsdam Road and Mrs Collison of Freshbrook Road have also had to retire, again Thank you very much to these people for all the hard work that they have put in looking after their respective scheme members. I am looking for replacement co-ordinators for these roads and if anybody knows of somebody willing to give up half an hour each month to deliver the newsletters I would like to hear from you. Similarly in some areas we have not had an area co-ordinator for some time, I have been gradually increasing the number of "newsletter drops' that I do. If there is anybody who could assist me in becoming an area co-ordinator I would be very pleased to welcome you to lighten my load. You do not have to live directly in the area that needs to be delivered to and it would take only about half an hour once each month. The newsletters would be counted out for you and placed in envelopes, all you need to do is to drop them through the letterboxes. The specific areas that do not have an area co-ordinator at present are:- Shoreham/Southwick area north of A270 from Holmbush Roundabout to Downsway (7 drops) Lancing/Sompting North Lancing (14 drops) Lancing/Sompting South Lancing from South Street, along Brighton Road, Old Salts Farm Road, and along Freshbrook and Kings Road (11 drops). Anybody able to spare some time, please contact Pam Davey on 01903 763082.
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