Warning after man claims to be "police insurer"
Police have issued a warning after receiving reports that a man is claiming to be from a police insurance company, in order to get into people’s homes.
The first incident happened at about 9.45am on Tuesday October 27 at a house in Kashmir Road, Leicester.
The victim, a woman in her eighties, answered her door to a man who claimed to be a police insurer. The victim let the man in and showed him round the house after he claimed he wanted to look at her security.
Shortly after, he left her home saying he was going outside to check her alarms. He did not return
Upon searching her home the victim found that her brown leather purse had been stolen which had a small amount of cash in it.
A similar incident happened in Moira Street, Loughborough that same day at about 10.15am when a man used the same story on a woman in her seventies. This time he claimed he was going to fit the victim’s home with a security device.
Once in the house the man told the victim he would need her bank cards and details to reimburse her the money for the device.
He then asked the victim to stay in her bedroom while he fitted the security device. A short while later the victim realised the man had left the house.
Like the other victim, she checked her property and found that her purse, containing cash, had been stolen.
In both cases the suspect is described as white, aged between 30 and 40-years-old and of stocky build. He was clean shaven and was wearing a dark coloured fleece.
One of the victims believes the suspect spoke with a local accent.
Detective Constable Kim Potter, one of the officers investigating the incidents, said: “We are hoping that this release will prevent this crime from happening again.
“We would like to appeal to anyone across Leicestershire who believes they have also been approached by this man to call us.
“The man was not carrying any form of official identification in either incident. This is always something that you should ask for if you do not know the person at your door.
“We would also advise that you always have someone with you when letting a stranger into your home. Any legitimate caller will have no problem with returning to your house when someone else is present.
“As a force we do not provide a “police insurers” service, like the suspect claimed. If you are approached by anyone who tells you they work for us as an insurer then do not let them into your home and call us straight away.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC 4269 Kim Potter on Leicester (0116) 222 2222, follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer and when prompted key in the officer's identification number 4269. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous on 0800 555 111.
* Please note, some mobile ‘phone service providers may charge for this call.
Issued on 18/11/09 at 11:50
Crime reference number: NL/04350/09-0, CN/05813/09-5
