Huge fall in Welwyn Hatfield distraction burglaries

THE number of distraction burglaries in Welwyn Hatfield has fallen by 93 per cent since last year, according to police. Between April and July this year, Hertfordshire Constabulary recorded just

THE number of distraction burglaries in Welwyn Hatfield has fallen by 93 per cent since last year, according to police.

Between April and July this year, Hertfordshire Constabulary recorded just one distraction burglary in Times Territory, compared with 15 during the same period last year.

County-wide, there were 75 fewer distraction burglaries than in the first quarter of last year; more than a 50 per cent decrease.

The reduction was put down to the work of the Constabulary's Operation Manhunt, as well as the increasing awareness of residents towards how distraction burglaries work.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Williamson, who heads Operation Manhunt, a specialist team targeting rogue traders and distraction burglars, said: "Officers from the Operation Manhunt team have been working hard to make the county a safer place for residents and a hostile place for offenders to operate in.

"We've also been working hard to spread crime prevention advice to the community and the message is getting through. People are being more vigilant and not letting these con men into their homes."

If you believe a crime is in progress, contact police immediately by dialling 999 or if you have information about a recent crime, contact police on 0845 3300 222.