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Officers from the Rushmoor Priority Crime Unit are appealing for witnesses and information following a distraction burglary in Farnborough on Thursday, June 18.
At around 6pm, an elderly couple were at their home in Montgomery Road when a man knocked at the door. The caller said he was working on the flat below and needed to turn the water off.
The 72-year-old resident let the man in and he went into the kitchen and began moving items from under the sink.
The pensioner then asked the man to leave and as he was escorting him out, he noticed another man at the front door.
He then noticed an envelope containing a substantial amount of money was missing from his bedroom.
Three men were reported to have been acting suspiciously in the area and police have issued descriptions of the two men at the Montgomery Road incident. T
he first man is described as:
- White
- Aged 30-35 years
- Medium build
- Around 6ft
- Wearing a white shirt and black trousers
- Spoke with a South African accent
The second man is described as:
- White
- Aged in his mid 20s
- 5ft 5ins
- Thick set build
- Dark wavy hair
- Wearing a shirt and trousers
PC Sue Champion, from the Rushmoor and Hart Priority Crime Unit, said: "Distraction burglary is a despicable offence carried out by people who deliberately target elderly and vulnerable people.
"We are working hard to find the people responsible for this crime and would like to hear from anyone who saw three men acting suspiciously in the area on Thursday, or anyone who recognises the descriptions we have given.
"I would also like to remind residents not to let anyone into their home they do not know and if you are in any doubt, call the police."
Please take a few minutes to follow the following Safer Homes advice:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. Burglars can make you believe they are genuine callers. Don't invite them in. If in doubt, keep them out! Many utility companies operate a password scheme, where anyone calling from that company will give you a previously agreed password so you know they're legitimate. Make sure you take advantage of these schemes.
Police across North and East Hampshire have also launched a Nominated Neighbour scheme to help avoid these kinds of crime. For more information and to request a Nominated Neighbour pack, contact your local Safer Neighbourhoods officer.