Burglars target woman, 85 (From Herald Series)

Burglars target woman, 85

1:20pm Monday 23rd November 2009

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Police this afternoon released an E-fit after a distraction burglary in Fane Drive, Berinsfield.

At about 2pm last Wednesday, an 85-year-old woman answered the door to a boy who claimed to have lost his ball in her garden.

The woman went into the garden to look for the ball. When she went back into the house, she noticed a man in her lounge. She asked him what he was doing and he left the property.

After the man had left, the woman realised that he had stolen £600 from a tin and £30 from her purse.

The boy was white, about ten years old and medium build with short, dark hair. He was wearing a blue jumper and jeans.

The man was white, medium build, about 38 years old, 5ft 7in to 5ft 9in tall, and was wearing a red jumper and dark trousers.

Det Con Stephen Knight, from Didcot CID, said: “I urge anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area to get in touch.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to remind residents to be aware of their home security. If someone comes to your front door and asks you to go to the back garden, or get something from inside the house, please make sure that the front door is locked.

“There is no reason why a stranger should ever come into your home. All agencies or utility companies should make an appointment and also use a password system.

“I would urge anyone with elderly or vulnerable relatives, neighbours or carers to check their home security and alert them to the dangers of opening the door to a stranger.

“Distraction burglars prey on the elderly and vulnerable. If you see people calling at houses and are suspicious of their intentions, I would urge you to contact police immediately.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Det Con Roberts at Thame police station via 0845 8 505 505, or if you don’t want to talk to the police or give your name, call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

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