Distraction burglary - Blagdon Road, Reading - 20th September 2025
- Published on
- Friday, 26 September 2025 - 11:20
- Reference no
- 43250489989
We are issuing a public alert following a series of distraction burglaries in Reading.
On the afternoon of 20th September 2025, two females have committed a distraction burglary at an address on BLAGDON ROAD, READING. Did two women attend your address on 20/09/2025? Do you have any CCTV or RING footage? Did you see any suspicious activity or vehicles in the area? If so, please contact TVP, quoting reference number 43250489989.
Distraction burglaries often involve offenders posing as officials or tradespeople to gain access to your home. Always ask for identification and check it with the company before letting someone into your home. If you’re unsure, don’t open the door and report any suspicious behaviour to us immediately on 999.
Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.
Distraction burglars will pretend to be someone they are not, so it’s important you are aware of the common methods they will use to get you to let them into your property. There are a number of things you can do to help prevent distraction burglaries:
- Use your door viewer to see who’s there
- If you open the door, put the chain on first
- Always ask for ID and check it with the company before letting somebody into your home
- Use the phone number advertised in the phone book or online, as the number on their identity card could be fake. For a utility company, call the customer service department. Close the door while you do this
- If you feel at all unsure, schedule a time for the caller to come back when a friend or relative is there; it they are a legitimate person, they won't mind