DFAA HOMEWATCH CHESIL BANK WARD  WEEKLY CRIME REPORT 16.2.12 - 23.2.12  Chesil Bank Ward Weekly Crime Report 16.2.12 - 23.2.12   CRIMES A handbag was stolen from a Chrysler Voyager that was parked in New Barn Road, Abbotsbury between 2.30pm to 3.30pm Thursday 16th February. Crime No 6778 refers.   Please contact Dorset Police on 101, or your Safer Neighbourhood Team, if you have any information that can help identify those responsible for this crime, or can help recover any of the stolen property.   CRIME PREVENTION ADVICE I'm not aware of any distraction burglaries having been reported in our area for several months and this may be an opportune time to raise our awareness and take steps to reduce opportunities; should the distraction burglar come calling. Distraction burglary by bogus callers is one of the most callous crimes, as the main victims are usually elderly or vulnerable people who live alone. These people are professional criminals travelling to ! different parts of the country every day. Following the few simple rules below can help to stop you from becoming the victim of a bogus caller.   STOP Before you answer the door, stop and think if you are expecting anyone. Check that your back door is closed and locked and take the key out of the lock.   CHAIN Put the front door bar or chain on. Look through the window, or spyhole if your door has one, to see who it is. Always keep the bar or chain on while you are talking to the person on your doorstep.   CHECK Ask for and carefully check their identity card, even if they have a prearranged appointment, (all genuine callers will carry one). Close the door while you do this. Genuine callers won't mind waiting while you check. Do they look like the person on the card? Is their name the same as the name on the letter that was sent to you? If you are not expecting a caller, or they have not shown you an identity card: ! Do not let them in until you have checked that the caller is genuine. Look up their phone number in the telephone book and check it against the card the caller has given you. Do not be tempted to just ring the number on the card as it may be fake.   REPORT Bogus Callers use many guises. Gardening, door-to-door sellers, water board, drink of water, directions, water for their car, wrong address, etc. They use numerous excuses to knock at your door - and they will seem plausible. Report anyone suspicious to the police immediately. Dial 101 or 999 This way the police can build up a picture of people in the area who might be distraction burglars and take action.   A reminder that your Safer Neighbourhood Police Officers are:- Sgt Steve Yeoman, PC Jeremy Cuff and PCSO Sarah Pilcher Call them at Dorset Police on: 101 or on our team mobile: 07500 816292 Please only use the numbers above for non-emergency calls. If a crime is in progress or life is in danger ,! please dial 999.   Crimestoppers Crimestoppers UK (Trust) is a charity helping to prevent and solve crimes. The scheme allows you to give information anonymously about crimes that affect you and your local community. You can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.   Jean Davenport (4142)