Police Distraction burglar targeted elderly woman

POLICE are warning South Gloucestershire residents to stay alert after an elderly woman was burgled by a man who claimed her roof needed fixing.

This comes after a man falsely gained access to an elderly woman’s home on Seymour Road in Staple Hill, at around 2pm on April 30 after informing her that he had spotted a leak.

While inside, and with the intention of going upstairs, he informed the resident that there was damp and a significant amount of money was needed to repair it.

After the resident declined this offer, and further offers to do the work at a lower price, the man left.

The woman then proceeded to ask a neighbour to inspect her home, and subsequently found that her wardrobe door had been opened and the contents of her handbag had been emptied onto the bed.

Avon and Somerset police are appealing for information to assist the investigation following the distraction burglary incident in the Staple Hill area.

You can get in touch by calling 101 and quote Reference number 5221095899. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

A police spokesperson said: “We’d remind the public to be wary of all unexpected or unknown callers. Rogue traders or burglars will often use scare tactics to gain entry and pressurise the victim over money.”

Police gave the following crime prevention advice:

» Never open the door to an unexpected caller until you’ve checked their identification - use a door chain or viewer, intercom or a ‘smart’ doorbell. Genuine callers expect it.

» If you’re not sure, don’t open the door.

» Never agree to have work done or part with money on your doorstep and ideally get written quotes from at least two traders for any work. Always agree a start and finish date and agree a price before any work starts on your home.

» If you are suspicious of a caller tell the police straight away - ring 999 if you feel threatened or intimidated, otherwise call 101.

» Store any high value items such as jewellery, passports and cash in a properly secured and hidden safe or bank vault.

» Keep windows and doors secured if you’re not in the room and never keep large sums of money in the house.

» If you see someone calling door-todoor, but only on frail or elderly neighbours, call 999 straight away.

» Ask a trusted neighbour to help you deal with unexpected callers.

» Look out for vulnerable and elderly neighbours and make sure they know what to do when they receive an unexpected caller.

» Join Neighbourhood Watch.

» If you think you’ve been deceived, are concerned about a trader or have any doubts call 101 or Citizens Advice Consumer Services. into handing