Sutton and East Surrey Water

What is Distraction Burglary?
Distraction burglary is a very unpleasant crime, where bogus officials target vulnerable householders in order to steal their money and possessions. Criminals pose as representatives from utility companies, and water is often used as a reason for gaining entry.

We take the safety of our customers very seriously. To help our customers protect themselves against criminals pretending to be water company representatives, we follow an approved industry doorstep protocol.

The company always recommends following Home Office advice about callers:

• Make sure your back door is locked before going to the front door.
• Use a door chain before you open the door, if you have one.
• Or, check to see who's at the door by looking through a window or spy hole.
• Water company staff always carry an identity (ID) card and wear a uniform with the company name on it.
• Look out for the company logos on vans.
• Staff are always happy to wait for you to check who they are by calling 01737 772000.
• You can also contact us to set up a password (a word known only to you) which our representatives will use when they call
• Finally, if you are still suspicious then telephone the police, it is better to be safe than sorry.

KNOCK, KNOCK, WHO'S THERE? Be stranger aware.

ID cards
We arrange thousands of appointments every year which are pre-arranged, with agreed dates and timeslots, but also knock on doors without appointments. Remember, all our company representatives carry photo ID cards. Our staff will also be wearing uniform with company logos. Our contractors also have clothing with corporate markings.

FINALLY ... if a caller claims to be from 'The Water Board' do not let them in. We haven't been known as this for more than 30 years!