Elderly women conned (From Witney Gazette)

Elderly women conned

POLICE are urging elderly people to be on their guard after distraction burglars hit another three homes yesterday.

In Blakes Avenue, Witney, two men in their early 20s with dark hair conned their way into two houses.

At one address they pretended to be from the Water Board and asked to check the water pressure.

At another address they said they were from Neighbourhood Watch and that they needed to check the house as they had seen someone acting suspiciously in the garden.

The owners of these houses were two women in their eighties. The men stole cash from both of them before leaving.

In Water Eaton Lane, Gosford, at about 3pm, a man knocked on a woman's door in her nineties pretending to be from the Gas Board.

He said he needed to check her meter as there had been a gas leak. While he was doing this another man entered the property and stole cash.

The descriptions of these men are that they are in their twenties, were dressed smartly and spoke with Irish accents.

Sgt Craig Kirby, who is investigating the incidents, said: "Last week we had five other incidents, all very similar. This takes the total to an unacceptable eight. I'm urging everyone to be on their guard.

"If you have elderly or vulnerable family, friends or neighbours, make them aware of the dangers. Together we can make it more difficult for these low criminals to operate in our communities.

"The e-fits of men we would like to speak to is from the incidents last week; we are releasing it again in an attempt to warn as many people as possible and to catch these men quickly.

"These callous criminals prey on people who they think might be vulnerable. We appeal for anybody with information about them, or I'd urge anyone who sees any suspicious vehicles, to call us."

Det Con Paddy O'Grady, investigating the Gosford burglary, said: "These incidents appear linked due to their location and the descriptions of the men.

"These men are obviously looking to commit crime and we need information to catch them and also ask for the public to remain vigilant to prevent any further incidents.

"Distraction burglars often target the elderly and vulnerable and together we can all take steps to protect ourselves.

"Improve your home security, fit good quality locks, door chains, peep holes and make sure you use them. Always Stop, Chain, Check'.

"We should never let anyone into our home that has not made a prior appointment, even if they have identification. If they call unexpectedly and show you ID, take it from them and call the company they claim to be from for verification. If they are genuine they will understand.

"Finally, if you are approached by anyone in suspicious circumstances or if you believe you have become a victim of distraction burglary, get in touch with police immediately.

"Distraction burglars are mobile criminals, rarely staying in the area long, so a quick call to 999 with good descriptions of those involved and importantly the vehicles they are using can give us a better chance of catching them.

"Distraction burglary is a crime that preys on the weakest and more vulnerable people in our community and yet if we take these precautions we can stop them."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Sgt Craig Kirby or Det Con Paddy O'Grady via the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you do not wish to speak with police and do not want to leave your name you can pass information to the anonymous Crimestoppers service on 0800 555 111.