0:00:02 > 0:00:05In the UK, there's a burglary every 64 seconds.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22But right across Britain, committed police forces
0:00:22 > 0:00:25are leading the battle to stop the thieves in their tracks.
0:00:25 > 0:00:26Police forcing entry!
0:00:28 > 0:00:29Police!
0:00:29 > 0:00:30For the victims of these crimes,
0:00:30 > 0:00:34it can take months, or even years, to overcome the trauma.
0:00:34 > 0:00:38It's not nice to think somebody's been in your house and violated it.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40If I'd have disturbed them,
0:00:40 > 0:00:41that's frightening.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45In this series, we're fighting back against the burglars,
0:00:45 > 0:00:46helping you beef up your security,
0:00:46 > 0:00:48while the police catch the criminals.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54Really good system.
0:00:54 > 0:00:59Excellent door lock. All the windows have got lockable jammers on.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03- Oh, I feel 100% safer now. - Yeah. A lot more secure.- Yeah.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06This is Break In Britain -
0:01:06 > 0:01:07the Crackdown.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16Today, I'm on the trail of two burglars
0:01:16 > 0:01:19who stole a grandmother's savings from under her nose.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22And it were like that - psst! You know?
0:01:22 > 0:01:24As I opened that door, he flew past.
0:01:24 > 0:01:26And I get to test the latest technology
0:01:26 > 0:01:28to identify and catch criminals.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32I was really struggling, but actually, that's really close.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36And our security team's hard work helps raise a smile.
0:01:36 > 0:01:37How am I looking?
0:01:37 > 0:01:39As gorgeous as ever!
0:01:39 > 0:01:40SHE CHUCKLES
0:01:42 > 0:01:45Every year, thieves steal more than £30 million-worth
0:01:45 > 0:01:49of cash and goods by what's known as distraction burglary.
0:01:49 > 0:01:53Today, a 999 call has just come in to the police
0:01:53 > 0:01:54reporting one of these crimes.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15This is Barbara, an 83-year-old grandmother of four.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18She lives alone on a sheltered housing estate.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21She's been a widow almost 30 years.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25But today, her quiet life has been shattered by two conmen
0:02:25 > 0:02:27who talked their way into her home.
0:02:27 > 0:02:28Have a little drink of that.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31Her friend and neighbour Bill rang the police
0:02:31 > 0:02:33and he's looking after Barbara.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37It's about ten to eight, I think.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40I'm here with your mum and the neighbour now,
0:02:40 > 0:02:42but we could do with a relative here.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45And PC Laughton is first on the scene,
0:02:45 > 0:02:48to start the investigation of this callous burglary.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52Now, then, your daughter's on her way,
0:02:52 > 0:02:57- but if I can make a start and get things down...- Yeah.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00- You said to me it was about half past six.- Yes.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02Is that right?
0:03:02 > 0:03:04- So, you went straight to the door.- Yeah.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08Were there two people stood there or one?
0:03:08 > 0:03:11Just one. I didn't know there were two until they ran out again.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14And he says, "Can I check your taps?"
0:03:14 > 0:03:17And he opened the door and he says, "Can you move these?"
0:03:17 > 0:03:21And pretended to look at the bottles to see what they were like, you see.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24Barbara didn't realise this man was keeping her distracted
0:03:24 > 0:03:28in the kitchen while his accomplice was scouring her flat
0:03:28 > 0:03:29for things to steal.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32Did you see the second man at all?
0:03:32 > 0:03:37No. Just a flash of brown jacket and a leg going up in the air as he ran.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41And it were like that that - psst! You know?
0:03:41 > 0:03:44As I opened that door, he flew past.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48Who did you think they were, Barbara?
0:03:48 > 0:03:50I'd no idea, it were just me impression,
0:03:50 > 0:03:52at first, they're two workmen.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55- Two workmen that were working on the water.- Yeah.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57Yeah.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00I could kick meself!
0:04:03 > 0:04:07In just a few minutes, the thieves had ransacked her flat,
0:04:07 > 0:04:08stealing all her jewellery
0:04:08 > 0:04:15and nearly £600 in cash that Barbara had been saving up to pay her bills.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18- Was your bed made and ready to get into before?- Yeah.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20Just that row.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24They've taken the items from the lounge and tipped them
0:04:24 > 0:04:28out onto the bed and had a good search through.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32It's gut-wrenching that someone could rob an elderly lady
0:04:32 > 0:04:33like Barbara.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41Now, the crooks used particularly underhand tactics
0:04:41 > 0:04:44to con their way in. I want to find out how she is
0:04:44 > 0:04:47and what we can do to make sure it doesn't happen again.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50The first conman kept Barbara distracted in her kitchen
0:04:50 > 0:04:54while his accomplice helped himself to her valuables.
0:04:54 > 0:04:59- So, you were busy putting all of this stuff out?- Yeah.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01And what had he told you?
0:05:01 > 0:05:05He just said, "I'm from Water Board and I've come to look at your taps."
0:05:05 > 0:05:11- He says, "Put your fingers there and hold it tight."- Right.- Yeah.
0:05:11 > 0:05:16And he said, "I'll just go and see the bathroom," and shut that door
0:05:16 > 0:05:18and he went out there and then he come back
0:05:18 > 0:05:23and he says, "Do it with that one." I thought, it's ridiculous, is this.
0:05:23 > 0:05:25And then he says, "Oh, and you better do this."
0:05:25 > 0:05:31- He were just keeping me busy, you see.- He must have a heart of stone.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34Standing there talking to you, while he knows his mate's
0:05:34 > 0:05:37robbing the house. Cold-hearted, that.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40I'm impressed how well Barbara is coping with losing her cash
0:05:40 > 0:05:44and jewellery, but this robbery has definitely upset her.
0:05:44 > 0:05:45How have you been feeling?
0:05:45 > 0:05:50A bit shaky this morning when I get up, because I had tossed
0:05:50 > 0:05:53and turned for quite a long while, you see.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57When you look back at all the stuff taken, how did you feel?
0:05:57 > 0:06:01I felt stupid, because I thought it was all my own stupid fault,
0:06:01 > 0:06:03because I knew I shouldn't have done that.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06- No, I mean, they're clever though, aren't they?- Yeah, yeah.
0:06:06 > 0:06:11- He always kept me doing something to occupy me.- What were they like?
0:06:11 > 0:06:15- Did he seem a nice guy or...? - Yes, he was smiling and talking.
0:06:15 > 0:06:21He was supposed to be helping me, you know? Which, that was his idea.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25Keep me in a good mood and just talked to me, so I wouldn't notice.
0:06:25 > 0:06:30He was just moving all the time and smiling, like. You know,
0:06:30 > 0:06:32as though he were being friendly.
0:06:32 > 0:06:37And all at once, it sort of hit me and I thought, "You stupid beggar!"
0:06:37 > 0:06:42- You know.- If possible, I'd like to get a Crime Reduction Officer round.
0:06:42 > 0:06:46They can assess the security and see
0:06:46 > 0:06:49- if we can make sure this can't happen again.- Yeah.
0:06:49 > 0:06:53You know, make some improvements to your security. How does that sound?
0:06:53 > 0:06:55It sounds all right.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00- OK, Barbara...- Right, thanks very much.- See you soon.- Bye.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04We'll get something sorted out for you. Ta-ra now.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11It's a really difficult one. You can have the best locks in the world,
0:07:11 > 0:07:13but if you're opening your door to a conman,
0:07:13 > 0:07:15they are not going to do you any good.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18I want to know if the Crime Reduction Officer's got a solution.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23And while we are helping out Barbara,
0:07:23 > 0:07:27the police are going round the estate to warn everybody else,
0:07:27 > 0:07:31- in case those conmen try to strike again.- Hi, are you all right?
0:07:31 > 0:07:32Hello, love, yeah.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34I'm just calling round to let you know there's been
0:07:34 > 0:07:36- a burglary in the area. - Has there, love?
0:07:36 > 0:07:40Yeah, two men have gone round saying that they're from the Water Board.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42They got into the property.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45Basically, we're just letting people know there's been
0:07:45 > 0:07:47a burglary in the area and I think it is important, as this is
0:07:47 > 0:07:51- sheltered housing, that they are aware...- He is saying they are going to change the meter.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54- Can you have a look at that, love? - ..of the bogus burglar.
0:07:54 > 0:07:59- That's a letter from the Water Board.- Oh, yeah.- Yorkshire Water.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02Robbing elderly people like Barbara is bad enough.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04Oh... What's wrong?
0:08:05 > 0:08:07Are you OK?
0:08:07 > 0:08:08But, to make it worse,
0:08:08 > 0:08:11it has really frightened other residents in the area.
0:08:18 > 0:08:19Someone of Barbara's age
0:08:19 > 0:08:23shouldn't have to suffer being burgled in such a callous way,
0:08:23 > 0:08:26so Crime Reduction Officer Richard Thornton is going to find
0:08:26 > 0:08:29the best way to prevent this ever happening again.
0:08:31 > 0:08:32Here we go, this is it.
0:08:32 > 0:08:37It looks pretty solid, I mean, there's not many entry points.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39No. Straightaway, they've got a good quality lock on.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42It's an anti-snap lock, I can tell that just by looking at it.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46That's very secure. Got a good spy hole in the door.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49A big thing, certainly in this situation, you've not had
0:08:49 > 0:08:54a forced entry, you had an entry by someone conning their way in.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56We would recommend not opening the door, at all,
0:08:56 > 0:08:59until you find out who that individual is.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01So, literally, talking through the glass.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03Older people do have older habits
0:09:03 > 0:09:06and they are quite difficult to break.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09What can we do, really, to stop them opening the door?
0:09:09 > 0:09:12There are some simple measures that we use.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15Putting a sticker on the back of the door to remind somebody.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19It is like a traffic light sticker. You know, stop, don't open the door.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23So, what can we fit, so that Barbara knows who's calling?
0:09:23 > 0:09:28What we would probably be doing with this is a video entry system,
0:09:28 > 0:09:32so they can establish who is stood at the door before they actually
0:09:32 > 0:09:35have to unlock it. That's the key point. Do not open the door.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37- Fantastic. Let's get on with it.- OK.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43So, Richard has been, he's given his assessment
0:09:43 > 0:09:46and the building is actually pretty secure.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49It's only going to take a few changes to make sure that
0:09:49 > 0:09:53Barbara doesn't open the door again to the conman.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56So, what I need to do first is get the security contractors in
0:09:56 > 0:10:00and get the job started. I'm going to give Neil the call.
0:10:01 > 0:10:06- 'Neil speaking.'- Hello, Neil, it's Dan. We've got a burglary.
0:10:06 > 0:10:11It's an older lady, who has opened the door to a couple of conmen.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14Can you pop round and have a look for us?
0:10:14 > 0:10:17'Yeah, of course, I'll get round there and see what we can do.'
0:10:17 > 0:10:20Fantastic. OK, see you soon, Neil. Ta-ra, mate.
0:10:22 > 0:10:23Brilliant.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27Now, it is time for me to find out how the investigation is going.
0:10:30 > 0:10:34While Neil's boys get on with fixing Barbara's place,
0:10:34 > 0:10:38a brand-new video intercom will mean that Barbara can speak to,
0:10:38 > 0:10:42and see, any callers, without having to go anywhere near the front door.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44BELL RINGS
0:10:44 > 0:10:46Hello? SHE CHUCKLES
0:10:47 > 0:10:49And if she does decide to go to the door,
0:10:49 > 0:10:54that new, more-secure chain means no-one can force their way in.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56Basically, what that does, it stops anyone reaching round
0:10:56 > 0:10:58and actually undoing, taking that off.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01- You can only get that off if the door is shut, OK?- Yes.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03Also, we've got a little mirror on the wall there.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07- If you look in the mirror, you can actually see who is at the door. - You don't notice that, do you?
0:11:07 > 0:11:11No, just a little mirror, about head height so you will see their face. OK?
0:11:12 > 0:11:16And while Barbara's new security gets its finishing touches,
0:11:16 > 0:11:20Jacqui is finding out how the police are fighting the conmen.
0:11:25 > 0:11:31It's estimated that there are more than 17,000 distraction burglaries in the UK every year.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33Many of them go unreported because
0:11:33 > 0:11:37the victims are so embarrassed about falling for the scam.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40These burglaries prey on people's trust and kindness,
0:11:40 > 0:11:43as a distraction to gain access to their homes.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50Often, perpetrators will pose as an official,
0:11:50 > 0:11:55say from a utility company or a labourer offering home improvements
0:11:55 > 0:11:58and trick their victim to allowing them into the house.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00Hello, would you be interested
0:12:00 > 0:12:03in saving money on your electricity bills?
0:12:03 > 0:12:05Once inside, they steal cash or valuables
0:12:05 > 0:12:08whilst the person is distracted.
0:12:08 > 0:12:13The average loss of these burglaries is estimated around £2,000.
0:12:13 > 0:12:18Sadly, it's often the vulnerable and elderly householder who's targeted.
0:12:18 > 0:12:22- No, I think were fine with our provider at the moment. Thanks. - OK, thanks, bye.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25Thankfully, there are steps you can take to avoid being
0:12:25 > 0:12:27a victim of distraction burglary.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31Detective Sgt Mark Reilly has come to talk me through them.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35So, what can someone do to protect themselves from being conned in this way?
0:12:35 > 0:12:40If you have one, put the keychain on, see who's at the door.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42Ask them to show some identification.
0:12:42 > 0:12:47Any normal company representative would expect an elderly
0:12:47 > 0:12:49or vulnerable person to ask that question.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51If at any time you're not sure, just close the door
0:12:51 > 0:12:53and go back into the property.
0:12:53 > 0:12:57Perhaps speak to a relative or ring 101 and contact the police.
0:12:57 > 0:13:01But Mark has one more surprising tip up his sleeve.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04Make sure that the back door is locked before you go to the
0:13:04 > 0:13:06- front door. - Why would they go round the back?
0:13:06 > 0:13:10By the time an elderly or vulnerable person gets to the front door,
0:13:10 > 0:13:13that person then may well have gone round the back.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16If the back door is not closed - quickly in, and quickly leave
0:13:16 > 0:13:18the premises, steal the items,
0:13:18 > 0:13:21and the person may well not be aware they've been the victim of a burglary.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25So, what can the police do if somebody has been
0:13:25 > 0:13:27a victim of distraction burglary?
0:13:29 > 0:13:32In Lancashire, as in many forces around the UK,
0:13:32 > 0:13:36police are using technology to track down the perpetrators.
0:13:37 > 0:13:41Here in Preston, they use a facial composite system called EvoFIT,
0:13:41 > 0:13:45which creates images of suspects based on witness descriptions.
0:13:48 > 0:13:52Earlier on, I had an unexpected call at the door.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56Now, with the help of Kevin Kearley, the head of Digital Forensics,
0:13:56 > 0:14:00I'm going to create an image of his face from memory.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02I only saw him for seconds.
0:14:04 > 0:14:05- Is that a problem?- Nope, because
0:14:05 > 0:14:08you just need split seconds to recognise somebody.
0:14:08 > 0:14:13- Would you be able to put a rough age? - Early to mid '40s. White male.
0:14:13 > 0:14:14OK.
0:14:14 > 0:14:19Traditionally Photofits have been produced by building
0:14:19 > 0:14:21a section of the eyes, a section of the nose,
0:14:21 > 0:14:23a section of the mouth.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26People would find it very difficult to even explain the face,
0:14:26 > 0:14:29even of loved ones. We're not very good at it.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32EvoFIT is a software which is heavily based on recognition.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35We don't tend to focus on individual features.
0:14:35 > 0:14:36We tend to look at the face as a whole
0:14:36 > 0:14:39and the relationship between the eyes, nose and mouth.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42Recognition is very much an unconscious decision.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46We'll show you a series of faces and, then, you pick faces
0:14:46 > 0:14:50which look most like the person you're trying to describe.
0:14:50 > 0:14:55Now, we're looking on this screen for the best two likenesses.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57- That one's best.- There?- Yeah.- OK.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04Again, refresh your memory and we're looking for a further two.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09Probably that one's better than that one, just because it's narrower in the face.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11Let's go for that one.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16- Tell me to stop. - I think, sort of, fair.- OK.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20Just a few final tweaks and it's time to see how I have done.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22The image of the person you've seen this morning,
0:15:22 > 0:15:25it's on the back of this phone, so I'll turn it over and hold it
0:15:25 > 0:15:29- next to the image you produced... - I'm quite nervous actually.- OK?- OK.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31Ahh!
0:15:31 > 0:15:33Crikey.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37That's not bad. Do you know, I thought I wouldn't be able to do it.
0:15:37 > 0:15:42I was really struggling, but actually, that's really close.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46This method takes a lot of the stress away from the witness
0:15:46 > 0:15:49and witnesses tend to be really pleased with the result
0:15:49 > 0:15:52they've come up with - and surprised.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55With such an effective way of putting faces to those
0:15:55 > 0:15:58distraction burglary suspects, police are getting more
0:15:58 > 0:16:02and more successful at beating those doorstep burglars.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06In Leeds, a smooth-talking thief managed to worm his way into
0:16:06 > 0:16:10Barbara's home, pretending he was an official from the water company.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14Meanwhile, his partner was stealing her cash and jewellery.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18So, to help Barbara, we've beefed up security on her flat,
0:16:18 > 0:16:22to make sure no-one can pull the wool over her eyes again.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25Now, we want to find out how the investigation is progressing
0:16:25 > 0:16:27and speak to Detective Andy Queen.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31I'm really glad we got the security improvements in so quickly,
0:16:31 > 0:16:35because it seems these type of con men aren't afraid to strike twice.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37Is that likely to happen?
0:16:37 > 0:16:39They've done it once, you'd think they'd think,
0:16:39 > 0:16:41"Not doing that place again."
0:16:41 > 0:16:45It's in the past happened where they have come back. Maybe realised
0:16:45 > 0:16:49this particular elderly person has their money on a particular
0:16:49 > 0:16:52day of the week or day of the month and they realise that it does work.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56- Does the method or description sound at all familiar?- Very familiar.
0:16:56 > 0:17:01It's a very common MO, purporting to be from water boards
0:17:01 > 0:17:05or the gas company or selling things.
0:17:05 > 0:17:09Personally, what you think of the people who can do that?
0:17:09 > 0:17:13Well, you can't get very much lower, can you? It's the lowest of the low.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16In a lot of cases, it can be seriously detrimental to their health
0:17:16 > 0:17:21and I'd hazard a guess that, in some cases, it's shortened life span,
0:17:21 > 0:17:24because people have become so stressed by it.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27So, forensically, is there anything to go on?
0:17:27 > 0:17:30The main avenue we're looking at forensically is this sink area
0:17:30 > 0:17:34where the offenders have gone in. It's an area they've touched. It's been swabbed
0:17:34 > 0:17:37and we'll get that swab examined and see if there's DNA on it.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40If there is, they'll have to explain why it's in Barbara's house.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43Well, that's definitely good news.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47I really hope there's some DNA evidence the police can use
0:17:47 > 0:17:50to identify those two burglars.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53The new security we fitted for Barbara is going to be
0:17:53 > 0:17:54great to keep out the criminals.
0:17:54 > 0:17:59But these smooth-talking con men could still talk their way in.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02Leeds police have a new scheme that helps the community
0:18:02 > 0:18:04come together to beat the burglars.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08I've come to talk to you about the Nominated Neighbour Scheme,
0:18:08 > 0:18:10- which I'd like you to be part of.- Yes.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13OK? It's to prevent bogus and distraction burglaries.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16We've had it up and running for the last year, over a year, now.
0:18:16 > 0:18:21It's mainly about people looking after one another. It's very simple.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23When somebody comes to the door that you don't know, you don't
0:18:23 > 0:18:29recognise, you hold it at your window and it says, "I don't recognise you.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31"The police have told me not to let you in.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34- "Please contact my nominated neighbour."- Yeah.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37If they're genuine, they'll be fine with that. They won't mind.
0:18:37 > 0:18:38You don't open the door to anyone.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42You just hold at the window, tell them to read it
0:18:42 > 0:18:44and it stops you opening that door,
0:18:44 > 0:18:46and having that face-to-face contact.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48You just tell them to read it
0:18:48 > 0:18:51and then they'll go away and contact your nominated neighbour. OK?
0:18:51 > 0:18:55- Right, dear.- What do you think? - I think it's good, yeah.- Right, OK.
0:18:55 > 0:18:57Brilliant.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00I like that. Dead simple, but effective.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03And Barbara has got plenty of friends nearby
0:19:03 > 0:19:06she can use as the nominated neighbour.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09One of the worst things
0:19:09 > 0:19:12about burglars is, they will steal from anywhere.
0:19:12 > 0:19:17It could be our houses, workplaces or even our holiday destinations.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21As a nation, we're increasingly taking our annual holiday
0:19:21 > 0:19:25here in the UK and, according to the National Caravan Council,
0:19:25 > 0:19:301.5 million of us are spending them in these - caravans and motor homes.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32Must be something to do with our glorious summers(!)
0:19:36 > 0:19:38Whether your preference is for touring
0:19:38 > 0:19:42our beautiful country or relaxing in a holiday park, these little
0:19:42 > 0:19:46homes from home can prove a tempting prospect for thieves.
0:19:46 > 0:19:51In 2012, Caroline Jones's family caravan was targeted by a thief,
0:19:51 > 0:19:54who had carried out a spate of burglaries across Lancashire.
0:19:55 > 0:20:00He managed to steal at least £20,000, from at least 21 break-ins,
0:20:00 > 0:20:02before being caught and imprisoned.
0:20:02 > 0:20:06We came up in the July. It was summer, we came up.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11I went to open the door, like I usually do, opened the door,
0:20:11 > 0:20:13let grandad in.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15As I'm taking the key out of the door,
0:20:15 > 0:20:19I can hear my husband saying, "Someone has been in and took your telly."
0:20:19 > 0:20:23And then it started sinking in that somebody had been in.
0:20:23 > 0:20:28I remembered that, when I opened the caravan door,
0:20:28 > 0:20:32the key didn't turn and it clicked that the door wasn't locked.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36Where the en-suite window is, they've used the bin and then straight
0:20:36 > 0:20:40through, take the telly and, once you're inside, you can let
0:20:40 > 0:20:44yourself out anyway, because they're not secured with a locking key.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47Then, it was a case of ringing the police, which...
0:20:47 > 0:20:50The police came out, I think it was the morning after.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52They was able to get forensics out,
0:20:52 > 0:20:56because there was a footprint on the toilet seat.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59I don't know, it just makes you wonder
0:20:59 > 0:21:01what sort of people it is that feel
0:21:01 > 0:21:05they need to break into a caravan that is just like a weekend holiday
0:21:05 > 0:21:07for everybody else.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11They came the week after and fixed the window.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14We just carried on coming down every weekend, then,
0:21:14 > 0:21:17but with a little bit of a slur on it every time you turn up,
0:21:17 > 0:21:21it was like, "Oh, I wonder what they've took this week".
0:21:24 > 0:21:28The biggest problem for caravan owners is that
0:21:28 > 0:21:31it's easy for burglars to spot one that's unattended.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34Here at the Caravan and Camping Show at Birmingham's NEC,
0:21:34 > 0:21:38there are a plethora of up-to-date security products available
0:21:38 > 0:21:40to caravan owners.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43I'm here to meet Tim Booth, from the Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service
0:21:43 > 0:21:48who's going to show me some hi tech options for protecting your caravan.
0:21:50 > 0:21:51So, this is a beautiful caravan.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54Presumably, even though you've managed to cut the numbers down,
0:21:54 > 0:21:58- this is still rich pickings for thieves?- It is.
0:21:58 > 0:22:03This particular caravan has got equipment fitted to it,
0:22:03 > 0:22:07so if somebody did come in after your personal items,
0:22:07 > 0:22:11it will activate an alarm system. This caravan is fitted with a sensor.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14That sensor picks up that person's presence in here,
0:22:14 > 0:22:16sends a signal to a monitoring station.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19They contact you, the owner, and say we've got an activation
0:22:19 > 0:22:22of your alarm, can you go and check the caravan, that everything is OK?
0:22:22 > 0:22:26That green flashing light indicates that it's picked up us moving.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29Yes, that's saying it's seen us and, as soon as it's seen us,
0:22:29 > 0:22:33- it sent a message to the monitoring company.- Brilliant.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36But that's built-in. What do people do if they haven't got it built-in?
0:22:36 > 0:22:40Thankfully, there are things that you can put in retrospectively.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44I've actually got a little device here, that if we take this,
0:22:44 > 0:22:46and we sit it up here...
0:22:48 > 0:22:50..that is now watching the caravan.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53- How is it doing that?- It's a little infrared detector in there.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56It talks, or will talk, to your phone, if it activates.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58We now go out the caravan, shut the door,
0:22:58 > 0:23:01if anybody comes in, that will tell us that somebody
0:23:01 > 0:23:03has come into the caravan - we need to do something.
0:23:06 > 0:23:07We now take the mobile phone...
0:23:10 > 0:23:13Mobile phone, obviously, is linked to the unit in there.
0:23:13 > 0:23:17- We press the button here.- That's it, now?- That's it.- Caravan secure.
0:23:17 > 0:23:18Yep.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20And I've asked a couple of little helpers to play
0:23:20 > 0:23:24the role of burglars, to pinch my phone and tablet.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27- Oh, wow! So, that's it! - There you go.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30You know somebody's gone into the caravan and you need to visit,
0:23:30 > 0:23:32whatever, to make sure everything is OK.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37Thank you very much for being our actor and actress today.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40And for stealing my stuff so beautifully!
0:23:44 > 0:23:48Thanks to hi tech deterrents like these, it means people can enjoy
0:23:48 > 0:23:52their caravan and motorhome holidays with a greater peace of mind.
0:23:53 > 0:23:58Back at Barbara's home, our upgraded security measures are all in place.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01Barbara lost nearly £600 of savings
0:24:01 > 0:24:03and a lot of irreplaceable jewellery.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07I really want our improvements to stop it happening again.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11So, do they meet Richard's high standards?
0:24:11 > 0:24:12The moment of truth.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14So, here we are.
0:24:15 > 0:24:20Straightaway you see we've got an intercom system.
0:24:20 > 0:24:21Excellent.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25- Is that the video one?- A video one, yeah. There's the little camera.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27Very good. Give her a call.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32- Hello, Barbara. It's Dan again.- Right.
0:24:32 > 0:24:34Just brought the Crime Reduction Officer.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36He wants to have a look at your new toy!
0:24:36 > 0:24:37Right, love.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42- Hiya.- Hello, how are you doing, all right?- Yes, thank you.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44Good. Can I come in? Is it all right?
0:24:44 > 0:24:48I'm going to stay outside, so Richard can test the kit.
0:24:48 > 0:24:50And how are you coping with the new intercom?
0:24:50 > 0:24:53- Can we have a look at how that works?- You press that.
0:24:54 > 0:24:58- It shows you who's outside. - Looks like we've got Dan outside.
0:24:58 > 0:25:02- That's great. So, you pick your phone bit up to find out who that is?- Yes.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04Brilliant! That's really good.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07Hopefully, Barbara's callers will be a bit taller than me!
0:25:07 > 0:25:11All this security depends on Barbara being able to use it.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15What do you do now, then, when the doorbell goes?
0:25:15 > 0:25:18- What's the first thing you do? - I'll look to see who is first.
0:25:18 > 0:25:23- Right.- I'll act more sensible than last time!- Yeah.
0:25:23 > 0:25:28- So we've got a nice new set-up, to keep you a lot safer.- Thank you.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31I'll see you again soon. Thank you, bye-bye.
0:25:31 > 0:25:35- So, Rich, what do you reckon? - Massive improvement.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37The video entry system is really good.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39It's far enough away from the door,
0:25:39 > 0:25:42so if she's not happy with the individual the other
0:25:42 > 0:25:45side of the door, it doesn't get opened. It's as simple as that.
0:25:45 > 0:25:50And we've sorted out Bill as the nominated neighbour now, as well.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54That's great, because if you've got somebody very close,
0:25:54 > 0:25:57if she ain't happy with whoever it is at the door, she can give him a call.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59The neighbour can come round
0:25:59 > 0:26:03and make a decision on who that individual is and, once again,
0:26:03 > 0:26:06if they're still not happy with them, they can ring the police.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09Are you happy this is as secure as it could possibly get for Barbara?
0:26:09 > 0:26:11I don't think you can improve it very much more now.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14- It's a really good job. - Great.- Nice one.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18Well, that's a ten out of ten, in my book.
0:26:19 > 0:26:23It's important that Barbara feels safe and in control in her own home.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33- Hello. - Hello, Barbara - it's me, Dan.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36- Hello, Dan.- Can you see me?
0:26:36 > 0:26:40- Yes, I can see you.- How am I looking?- As gorgeous as ever!
0:26:40 > 0:26:41THEY LAUGH
0:26:45 > 0:26:50That seems to be working. Is it easy to use?
0:26:50 > 0:26:51Very easy, yes.
0:26:51 > 0:26:55"You look a bit of a rum do, you can clear off.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57"Ta-ra!"
0:26:57 > 0:27:00- So, it does look the part, doesn't it?- Yeah.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03You don't have to go messing around looking through the spy hole.
0:27:03 > 0:27:08- Are you happy with this one, then? - Yes, very happy, thank you.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11And the other thing is, it doesn't even need someone
0:27:11 > 0:27:14to press the doorbell, really.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16If someone just bangs on the door,
0:27:16 > 0:27:20you can just...turn it on.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22- It's easier.- Yeah.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25- And you feel more secure. - Feel more secure now?- Yes.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29Yeah.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31Fantastic. Bye-bye.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34I'm glad you're happy with it. Thanks a lot.
0:27:34 > 0:27:35Thank you.
0:27:37 > 0:27:41Hopefully, our security improvements have given Barbara peace of mind.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49The worst thing about distraction burglars is that they prey
0:27:49 > 0:27:54on vulnerable people, making them feel ill at ease in their own home.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57It's so great to see how well Barbara is doing after such
0:27:57 > 0:28:01an unpleasant experience. She's really not letting it get her down.
0:28:01 > 0:28:02And with the measures we've put in,
0:28:02 > 0:28:06Barbara doesn't have to feel ill at ease in her own home ever again.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09That's it for now. See you next time.