Teams of burglars are using a new method to target homes.
Crafty burglars are targeting homes across Wandsworth by marking them out with discreet plastic stickers.
Working in twos, the burglar uses an accomplice to identify vulnerable houses, sticking virtually transparent stickers to people’s front doors. These then act as a signal to burglars that the property is an easy target.
The stickers are printed with ’24 hour locksmith’ as well as a telephone number which does not exist.
“There is growing evidence that some organised teams of burglars may be using this method to target homes in south London,” said Councillor Jonathan Cook, the council’s crime prevention spokesman.
“We are therefore urging local residents to keep a very close eye out for these stickers and if they find one to remove it straight away and report it to the police.”
Detectives believe the scout is sent to an area to look for homes that may be easy to burgle, calling at addresses to see if people are at home during the day. This gives them the chance to get up close to doors and windows, and if they think the property is vulnerable, they leave a sticker on the door.
Insp David Bannister from Wandsworth Police said: “At this time of year with the darker evenings there is traditionally a rise in burglaries, particularly between 3pm and 7pm.
“There have been a number of front doors found with stickers, giving details of a locksmith, which enquires reveal is not a genuine company. These are placed near the main lock. It is assessed that these markers are being used by potential burglars to mark potential targets which are then returned to subsequently.
Anyone who finds these stickers should report them to police by calling 101 and asking to speak to your neighbourhood policing team.
For advice about home security and tips on how to combat burglars, call the council’s community safety team on (020) 8871 6603 or email [email protected]
Photo courtesy of West Midlands Police, with thanks.
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