Distraction Burglaries

Detectives are appealing for information after two elderly women became the victims of distraction burglaries in Farnborough. The first incident occurred at around midday on Tuesday, July 24 when the 85-year-old victim was home at an address on Cody Road, Farnborough. A man called at the address and asked if he could come inside to check her water pressure. After the man had left the victim noticed that around £70 in cash was missing. The man police want to speak to is described as:

White - Aged 18 to 19
Slim build - Dark hair
He spoke with a local accent

The man was also seen by witnesses to be in the company of a second man who is described as:

White - Aged 18 to 19
Short ginger hair - Around 5ft 9ins
Slim but muscular build

The second incident occurred at some time between midday and 12.30pm on Wednesday, July 25 when the 80-year-old victim was at home at an address on Winchester Street, Farnborough, A man called at the address and asked to check her water pressure. The following day the victim noticed that around £50 in cash was missing. The man police want to speak to is described as:

White - Aged around 18
5ft 10ins - Medium build
Black hair - Spoke with a local accent
He was of a smart appearance

Detective Constable Andy Grieve said: “These were despicable offences where vulnerable people were deliberately targeted. The amount of money which was stolen may not appear to be much to some people but for elderly people living on a pension, these are significant sums. “We are currently looking into the circumstances surrounding these incidents and I am keeping an open mind about whether the two incidents are linked. “I am appealing to any witnesses who may have seen anyone fitting the descriptions of these men in the area or anyone who knows anything else about the incidents to get in touch with the police immediately.” Officers are offering the following advice to avoid becoming a victim of this sort of crime: Burglars can fool you into thinking they are genuine callers. Don't be the one who invites them in. If in doubt, keep them out!
• Stop – are you expecting anyone to call on you? Do you know the person at the door? Don’t be misled by what appear to be genuine reasons for calling on you.
• Check – A genuine caller will carry identification and will be happy to wait outside while you check it. Remember to source your own number for the company they are claiming to be from, don’t accept a number from the caller.
• Chain – fit a door chain or spy hole so that you can speak to callers or check who they are without opening the door fully.
If you turn anyone away from your home because they could not provide you with a genuine reason for being there, or you are suspicious of callers in your area, contact the police.
You can contact your local police station on 0845 045 45 45. In an emergency always dial 999.
Anyone with any information regarding these incidents should contact Det Con Grieve in the Priority Crime Team at Aldershot police station on 0845 045 45 45 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.