Distraction burglary at home of man in his eighties
Officers in Loughborough have released an Eigan fit image of a man they are trying to trace following the report of a distraction burglary in Durham Road.
The incident happened at about 11.20am on Friday February 26, when a man entered the victim’s home, through his front door, claiming he was there to fit a new back door.
The man followed the victim, a man in his eighties, back into his lounge and told him he would need to put a deposit down for the door but would get this back once the door had been made.
The victim then handed the man the cash and waited for him to return from his car, where he said he would get him a receipt.
When the man failed to return, the victim reported the incident to police.
The suspect is described as white, aged between 50 and 60-years-old and of stocky build. He was clean shaven and was wearing grey trousers, a raincoat and a cap.
Detective Constable Anita Rose, the officer investigating the incident, said: “The suspect took advantage of the victim’s good nature and vulnerability for his own gains and we want anyone with information to come forward.
“If you were in the area at the time of the incident we would like you to think back. Can you remember seeing a man similar to the one in the picture? Did he also come to your house or do you recognise him from the area? If so, please call us and help us with our investigation.
“I would like to take this opportunity to offer some crime prevention advice to elderly residents in Loughborough. Always keep your doors locked when you are at home and keep a chain on the door when you answer the door to a stranger.
“Do not feel scared to ask for identification, any genuine caller will have no problem with this and will be happy to come at a later date when you have someone with you. If you think you have been the victim of a distraction burglary please call us and report the incident to us.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC 4066 Anita Rose 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 4066. 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 04/03/10 at 08:45
Crime reference number: NL/01235/10-5
