Panto bobbies spread distraction burglary message (From Watford Observer)

Panto bobbies spread distraction burglary message

2:59pm Wednesday 26th November 2008 in

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Panto bobbies Ping and Pong visited primary schools across the Three Rivers district this week to put a light-hearted spin on the very serious issue of distraction burglary.

The wacky duo, part of the forthcoming Watersmeet production of Aladdin, asked children to remind their grandparents to “stop, chain and check” before opening the door to strangers.

The irreverent publicity drive, on Tuesday and Wednesday, comes after a series of callous distraction burglaries in the district.

On Friday, November 14, an 82-year-old Chorleywood woman had money stolen by two men claiming to be from the local branch of Neighbourhood Watch.

Just weeks before an elderly South Oxhey man was robbed at his home in Prestwick Road by men claiming to be from a water company.

Project backers Three Rivers Community Safety Partnership – supported by the police – say a community solution to the problem is required.

The organisation hopes where possible to prevent crimes and where necessary help to solve them.

Its most notable success thus far came in September, when 31-year-old conman James McDonagh was jailed for six years for robbing a pensioner in Croxley Green.

The children visited were from Maple Cross, Warrendell, Oxhey Woods, Greenfields and Chorleywood primary schools.