There are various types of intruders

1. Random opportunists who try out any door to see if it is open
   • People knocking randomly on doors, which are accessible from the street without having to go through security access are becoming more frequent.
   • We received reports from all over Tower Hamlets.
   • Never forget to lock your door.
2. Persons who pretend to be couriers and gain entry into blocks to knock on doors, either randomly or targeted
   • it is relatively easy to get access to some blocks through service buttons or if residents allow callers in.
   • Advice is never open the door unless you know who is there and why. For couriers leave on the chain and double check before releasing it.
3. Criminals who use vulnerable people’s flats for drug dealing bases. This is generally known as cuckooing.
   • They target those with learning disabilities or the elderly and may start to live in or visit regularly to deposit their drug stash, weapons, money in an address.

It can be very difficult to determine if a person’s flat is being abused by criminals, if you have suspicions but don’t want to get involved, please use our anonymous online reporting form, which does not record your IP address. If you do not give your email it will be completely anonymous and you can up-load pictures.