Burglars Lock Victims In Own Home

26 January 2012, 13:38 | Updated: 26 January 2012, 13:43

Police in Luton are investigating a series of distraction burglaries on Wednesday January 25, where the offenders claimed to be either police officers or immigration officials.

Officers are linking the three raids in Fieldgate Road, Dunsby Road and Westmoreland Avenue and are asking the public for assistance in identifying the offenders.

The first incident happened at around 5.35pm in Fieldgate Road when three males entered an address claiming that they were police officers looking for stolen property and that they would arrest the victims if they left a room that they were in. Having searched the property, the offenders then cut the phone lines and took the house keys before locking the victims inside.

The first offender is described as white, around five foot eight inches tall, with a moustache and beard, wearing a grey hat, grey top and blue jeans. The second was described as white, in his mid 20s, clean shaven, with a broad face and also wearing a hat. The third was white and wearing a grey/dark top. Following the raid the men then left the location in a dark coloured Audi.

A second attempted burglary took place in Dunsby Road at around 5.55pm when a man with an Irish accent and described as white, around five foot nine inches tall, of medium build, with a goatee style beard, wearing a grey hat, grey bottoms and a grey hooded top knocked on the door claiming to be a policeman. The man had a 'walkie-talkie' with him, but the homeowners refused to allow entry to the property and the man then got into a dark, possibly black, coloured Audi and left the area.

The third attempted raid took place at around 6.15pm in Westmoreland Avenue when three males claiming to be immigration officials knocked on the victim's door. The men, one of whom had a goatee style beard, refused to show any identification and when the victim threatened to call the police, the men left in a dark coloured Audi.

Detective Constable Phil Raikes who is investigating the incidents, said: "While it does not appear that a great deal has been taken during these three incidents we are keen to locate the offenders as quickly as possible before they cause misery to anyone else.

"We would remind everyone to be extremely cautious about anyone calling at their home, to always use a spy hole and door chain and to insist on identification. If you are in any way suspicious, dial 999.

"I'd like to hear from anyone who was in any of the areas at the time of these incidents or anyone else who may have information - however small or insignificant they think it is - that could help us. Don't dismiss your information as unimportant - even tiny details which don't seem relevant now might become useful later on in the investigation."

If you have information relating to this incident, contact DC Raikes, in confidence, on 01582 473288, the non emergency number 101, or text information to 07786 200011.

Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.