Distraction burglars strike in Wickham (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Distraction burglars strike in Wickham

4:37pm Monday 3rd September 2012 in News

POLICE are hunting two distraction burglars who struck in Wickham.

At some time between midday and 12.30pm on Friday, (Aug 31), the 78-year-old victim was at home in Buddens Road.

A man shouted over his fence and told him that he was dealing with a burst water main and needed to check his taps. The offender told him he worked for a company called EURW.

The victim let him into his house and checked the taps with him.
As the offender was leaving, via the back of the house, he mentioned that he was dealing with a cracked gas main.  The victim also noticed a second man at the back of the house, who walked off with the first man.

Later that day, one of the victim’s relatives discovered that two bedrooms had been searched.  At this stage nothing is thought to have been stolen.

Police have descriptions of the two men they want to speak to. The first man is: white, aged in his early 30s, slim build, clean shave with short mousey coloured, gelled hair, which is described as being smart and wearing a light-coloured chequed shirt, grey trousers and black shoes.
The second man is: white, also in his early 30s, about five feet six inches tall, slim, clean shaven with short fair to mousey coloured hair with a large curl at the front and wearing an open neck shirt.

PC Emma Purser, said: “This was a despicable incident where two offenders have taken advantage of the good nature and vulnerability of the elderly victim, who trusted the man and let him into his home.

“While the victim was distracted, a second offender has entered the property and conducted an untidy search of the premises. It is not yet known if the offenders stole anything.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police staff investigator Jerry King at North Walls police station on 101 or call Crimestoppers, the charity, annoymously on 0800 555 111.