Three men are to appear at court after we charged them with a distraction burglary which took place in Bloxwich.
It’s alleged the victim was asked to go and turn off the water, and then cash was stolen from the address in Bloxwich Lane on Saturday (10 June).
Following enquiries we promptly arrested three suspects.
Michael Devlin, aged 26, Martin Casey, aged 38 and James Connors, aged 48, have now been charged with one count of burglary of a dwelling and were set to appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court today.
We’re issuing some general advice to ensure people don’t fall victim to such a crime.
Distraction burglars typically operate in pairs or sometimes even in larger groups. Their primary goal is to divert your attention or deceive you in order to gain entry into your home, with the intention of stealing money, valuables, or sensitive information.
Once inside your home, distraction burglars may continue to keep you occupied while their partner searches for valuable items to steal. They may also attempt to access personal information, such as credit cards or bank details, to commit fraud or identity theft.
To protect yourself from distraction burglaries, it’s important to be cautious and follow these preventive measures:
• Verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a utility worker, delivery person, or representative of an organisation. Ask for identification or contact the relevant company to confirm their legitimacy.
• If someone you’re not expecting comes to your door, be wary of allowing them entry. Consider using a door chain or viewer to maintain control and increase your safety.
• Keep your doors and windows locked, especially when you’re not at home or when you’re in a different part of the house.
• Be cautious about sharing personal information with strangers or over the phone, especially if you didn’t initiate the conversation.
• If you suspect any suspicious activity, such as someone trying to distract you or acting in an unusual manner, report it to the police immediately.
If you feel threatened or in danger by the presence of a caller to your home, please don’t hesitate to call 999 for an emergency response.
Also report any suspicious people or vehicles in your area via the West Midlands Police website or by calling 101.
Even the smallest piece of information can prove to be crucial in making arrests and preventing further offences from being committed.
If you want to report this crime anonymously, you can do so by visiting the Crimestoppers website or by calling 0800 555111. Crimestoppers are an independent charity and calls won’t be traced or recorded.