Pair charged in connection with distraction burglaries

James Kerrigan, 31, of Tubbs Road, London, and Mary Cawley, 34, of Brockhurst Close, Harrow, were arrested on Wednesday (May 27).

They were both charged with conspiracy to commit burglary in connection with an incident in Berkhamsted on May 4.

One of the offenders told the victim, who lived in sheltered accommodation, that he was a police officer before entering the property and stealing jewellery.

The pair were also charged in connection with similar incidents in Ealing and Bushey in December last year, and another in Bushey on May 10.

Victims of all four crimes lived in sheltered accommodation, and in three out of four cases the offenders claimed they were police officers to gain entry to the victims’ homes.

Kerrigan and Cawley appeared at Hatfield Remand Court yesterday (Thursday, May 28).

Kerrigan was remanded into custody and Cawley released on bail.

They are next due to appear at St Albans Crown Court on June 11.

Police are reminding people to not open the door to unexpected callers.

> Not sure? Don’t open the door! - If you are not expecting anyone and you don’t recognise them, don’t let them into your home. Try to communicate with the caller without opening the door and ask them to return at a time when you have someone you trust with you.

> If you are expecting a caller - If a person you are expecting comes at the time you have arranged, ask to see their identification before you let them in.

> Never keep large amounts of cash at home. Put your money in an account where it is safe.