From Wandsworth Council...
The council’s crime prevention team is warning residents of a sophisticated new scam being used by burglars to target homes in the borough.
There are growing concerns that burglars are using accomplices to identify vulnerable properties in the borough and then marking them out with discreet plastic stickers.
The scouts are fixing the small, virtually transparent stickers to people's front doors. They are so discreet that residents may not even notice they are there - but for criminals who know what to look for - they act as a big green light that the property is an easy target.
The door sticker that police believe may be linked to an organised burglary ringPolice are already linking these stickers to at least one burglary in Wandsworth. The stickers are printed with the words "24 hour locksmith" and a telephone number. However the number does not exist and does not appear to have ever been issued by a telecoms company.
Detectives believe the scout is sent to an area to look for homes that may be easier to burgle. The belief is that he or she calls at addresses to see if people are at home during the day. This also gives them the chance to get up close to doors and windows and check out how good the locks are.
If the scout thinks the home would be easy to break into - he or she leaves a sticker on the door. If they are stopped by the police they can claim to be innocently distributing marketing material for the locksmiths firm.
The council's crime prevention spokesman Cllr Jonathan Cook said: "There is growing evidence that some organised teams of burglars may be using this method to target homes in south London.
"We are therefore urging local residents to keep a very close eye out for these stickers and if they find one to remove it straight away.
"It also goes without saying that if people can beef up their home security by fitting sturdy locks to doors and windows and alarms then this will always reduce the chances of them falling victim to thieves and burglars."
Insp David Bannister from Wandsworth police said: "At this time of year with the darker evenings there is traditionally a rise in burglaries, particularly between 3pm and 7pm.
"There have been a number of front doors found with stickers, giving details of a locksmith, which enquires reveal is not a genuine company. These are placed near the main lock. It is assessed that these markers are being used by potential burglars to mark potential targets which are then returned to subsequently. If you find a sticker on your door, the best thing to do is remove it."
For advice about home security and tips on how to combat burglars, call the council's community safety team on (020) 8871 6603 or email syoxall@wandsworth.gov.uk
STORY UPDATE MONDAY - Since the alarm was first raised at the end of last week, police have received lots of new intelligence about these stickers and are now following up a number of new leads to catch those who are responsible. There is no need to report any further sightings to police. If you find a sticker on your door, the latest advice is to simply remove it and dispose of it.
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