Quick-Witted Woman Foils Trio of Distraction Burglars in Havant
A clever woman in Havant stopped three distraction burglars in their tracks last Friday afternoon. At around 4.50pm on April 8, two men and a woman knocked on a house in Stockheath Way, but the resident wasn’t having any of it.
Suspects Try Old Distraction Trick
The trio claimed there was a problem with the back door and tried to lure the resident away from the front. They even asked if she lived alone. But thanks to a heads-up from social media, she kept the door chain on and stayed cautious.
Getting suspicious, she told them to clear off. The crooks left empty-handed, heading towards 1 Road.
Police Praise Woman’s Sharp Thinking
PC Alex McDonald said:
“These offenders tried to distract the resident by convincing her to check the back door, leaving the front door vulnerable. There was nothing wrong with her back door. She did exactly the right thing by keeping the chain on, being suspicious, sending them away, and calling the police.”
“If you spot anything fishy or get suspicious callers, turn them away and ring 999.”
What to Watch For
The woman described the female suspect as olive-skinned or Asian-looking, under 30, wearing a woolly hat, and speaking with a foreign accent.
Stay Safe: Top Tips to Avoid Distraction Burglars
- Always keep the door chain on when answering the door to strangers.
- Check ID carefully – do not trust phone numbers on the ID card; use your own sources.
- Never let cold-calling traders or strangers into your home.
- Keep front and back doors locked at all times.
- Consider joining a No Cold Calling Zone or Neighbourhood Watch.
- Report suspicious calls or sightings to the police immediately.
- Look out for vulnerable neighbours, friends, and family who may be targeted.
This near miss is a timely reminder to stay alert and keep your wits about you. Don’t let slick crooks worm their way inside your home!
