‘Despicable’ Christmas Eve burglary

AN 80-year-old had money stolen from her home on Christmas Eve after a burglar convinced her had been sent from the church to help lonely people.

Sometime between 1.30pm and 3pm on Tuesday, December 24, a “well-spoken” and “immaculate” man turned up on the doorstep at the woman’s house in Maddocks Place, Bridgend .

South Wales Police said the unknown man said he was visiting elderly people in the area to have a cup of tea with them and provide them with the company.

However, after sitting down and having a cuppa, the thief distracted his victim before swiping her purse - which had money inside.

The suspect, who said he was from Croydon, is described as having immaculate short dark hair, cuts on his nose, white, in his late 20s to early 30s and about 5ft 2 inches tall.

He is said to have been wearing a fawn coloured waterproof jacket, shirt, tie, and dark coloured trousers.

A blue car was seen in the area at the time.

South Wales Police condemned the crime as despicable and urged people with anyone with any information to contact them. Detectives said that even the smallest detail could help them bring the burglar to justice.

A force spokeswoman said: “Officers are appealing for information on a distraction burglary at the home of an elderly woman on Christmas Eve.

“Anyone who may have seen this man, the blue car, or have any information regarding the incident is asked to please contact South Wales Police on 101 quoting occurrence number 471331 .

She added: “As always, we remind people not to allow strangers into their home regardless of their explanation for being in the area.”