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Some burglars prey on people’s trust and kindness and use distraction as a means of getting into your home. A distraction burglar/bogus caller's intention is to trick people into allowing them into the property, or create a diversion so an accomplice can sneak in. Because elderly or vulnerable people are often targeted, distraction burglary can have a devastating effect - victims can lose their confidence and peace of mind, as well as money and possessions. Distraction burglars make up a story to get into your home, with only one intention - to steal! They often pose as a tradesmen or officials or ask for your help with something:

· Playing for sympathy - "I've broken down, please can I use your phone?" "I don't feel very well, could I use your toilet or get a glass of water?"

· Lost ball - "I've lost my ball/my son's lost his ball, please could I look for it in your garden?"

· Good Samaritan - "I've just caught someone climbing out of your window, I think they might have stolen something. We need to check your money hasn't been taken."

· Using children - "Hello could my son and I come in to ask you some questions for his school project?"

· Fake emergency - "There's a gas leak/flood in your road, I have to come in to turn off your supply."

· Leaving a note - "I've popped round to see my auntie/friend who lives next door, but she's out at the moment. Please could I borrow a pen and paper to leave a note?"

Some work alone, but often they work in groups of two or more, usually one person will knock at your door with a convincing excuse that seems genuine or urgent. The talker will persuade you to let them into your house and keep you occupied whilst others sneak in and search your house to steal cash and valuables. Distraction burglars can be men, women or children and sometimes a combination, smartly or casually dressed.

Be vigilant of unknown people calling round

· Don't let anyone into your home that you don't know. Always ask for identification - official visitors won't mind being asked for ID.

· Fit a door chain, if you have a solid front door, fit a wide angle door viewer.

· If you were not expecting anyone, explain that you need to check they are legitimate and ask them to wait outside for a few minutes. Take a note of their name and the company they claim to be working for and then close and lock the door.

· Look up the phone number for the company in a telephone directory or on the internet and check they have an employee of that name and that they are visiting you on legitimate business. Never just take someone's word for it and don't use any phone number they give you to check their identity - you don't know if it's a genuine number.

· If someone is asking for a favour, such as to use your toilet, borrow a pen or retrieve a ball, don't let them in. Instead direct them to a shop, office or public place. It's only natural to want to help someone, but sadly that's one of the techniques often used by distraction burglars.

· If you have any concerns about someone who has called at your door, call police immediately. If you have a chance try to note what they look like and any vehicle they have with them, so police can investigate.

Police target poor driving in the Pevensey Bay Road area of Eastbourne

Following a number of complaints from local people about speeding and anti-social driving in the Pevensey Bay Road area of Eastbourne the East Sussex roads policing department took targeted action on Thursday (25 February).Six drivers were stopped and reported for exceeding the speed limit and will now be fined and either receive points on their licences or be required to attend driver awareness courses.Officers seized one vehicle for not having insurance and another vehicle was impounded following a second warning for anti-social behaviour. In addition to fines, both motorists will have to pay the costs of recovering their vehicles.Residents had complained that vehicles were being driven far too fast and that some drivers, described to police as "boy racers", had been making inappropriate use of their cars in and around The Crumbles car park.PC Ed Faulkner, of the Eastbourne neighbourhood policing team, said: "We take all complaints from residents seriously and we also take road safety seriously."The operation last Thursday underlines our focus on these issues and demonstrates that robust action will be taken whenever necessary."Our roads are not race tracks, and it is the responsibility of all road users, be they drivers, cyclists, pedestrians or equestrians, to behave in a safe and considerate manner when using them."PC Faulkner said checks to target those who endanger others would continue, using both marked and unmarked police vehicles, and offenders could expect to be firmly dealt with.

Meetings, events and local officer details

For your local officer’s contact details, information about local events and meetings and actions being taken regarding your priorities click here http://www.sussex.police.uk/help-centre/your-local-district/eastbourne

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