PEOPLE are being warned to be vigilant following a distraction burglary.

It happened in the Great Horton area on Monday, January 27, between 11am and 12 noon. 

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "This was unique in where the reporting person received a phone call from a unknown person stating they were from the boiler company, and booked in an appointment for the suspect to call round.

"The suspect was able to convince the victim to give address details over the phone and once in attendance, the suspect stole items from inside the property before leaving.

"A distraction burglary is where a criminal calls at your home posing as an official or asks for your help with something. They can make up a story to get in to your home.

"Burglars need not go to the trouble of breaking in if they can just knock on your door and be invited in. Always be on your guard when anyone you’re not expecting - a man, woman or even a child - turns up at your door. An honest face or good story can hide a trick to get into your home.

"Most energy companies give you the option to submit readings by phone and online, and this could be used to avoid the above situation."

Helpful information

•If you need to have your meters checked but have difficulty reading identity cards, ring the number given on your bills and ask if they operate a free password scheme. This would mean that when a meter reader called they would identify themselves by the password you have given.
•Be wary of employing tradespeople who come to the door offering bargain prices for work they say you need doing to your house. If you need building work doing, it is usually best to ask for several written quotes from trustworthy and established firms.
•If you have a back door, make sure it is locked before answering the front door. Some thieves work in pairs and one will keep victims talking at the front door while the other tries to enter by the back door.
•Your local council may provide a community alarm scheme for elderly or disabled people. Ask at your local police station or council offices.
•If you are at all nervous, you could ask whoever is at the door to come back at an appointed time and arrange to have someone with you.

Answering the phone

•Try not to answer the phone with your address or telephone number.
•If the caller is not known to you, then avoid answering questions about yourself, no matter how innocent they sound.
•If you have an answer machine, consider carefully before including your name or number in the message. The message should never tell people that you are out or away. Try and give the impression that you are only temporarily unable to answer.
•If you are listed in the phone directory, you might want to give your initials and surname rather than your full name.

If anyone has any information or CCTV which may assist with police enquiries please contact 101 quoting the crime reference number 13200047962 or via the webchat service on the West Yorkshire Police website.