Appeal after man stole woman’s bag from her home
AN ELDERLY woman in Cardiff was targeted in a distraction burglary which saw a man pretend to be her new neighbour in order to steal her handbag from her home.
Police are investigating the incident in which the suspect attended the victim’s home in Romilly Road, Canton, at around 2pm last Thursday.
He gained access to her property by claiming he had moved into a neighbouring flat, police say.
The pair engaged in conversation for about an hour, before he left. It was only later that the woman noticed her handbag was missing.
South Wales Police have now launched an appeal and want to speak to anyone who may have seen the suspect.
He is described as being 6ft, white, and aged between late 40s to early 50s. He was wearing a black quilted jacket and black knitted hat at the time of the incident.
The stolen bag is red with a shoulder strap and contained a small silver camera, a Barclays Bank cheque book, and a black purse.
It is thought the suspect might have discarded the bag and some of its contents, the force added, and they have urged anyone who comes across the bag, or the missing items, to contact them.
An unknown individual was captured on doorbell video footage in the area at the time of the burglary, and police have urged this person to come forward.
Pc Craig Pearce of South Wales Police said: “This is an isolated incident, but we would urge anyone with elderly relatives or those who care for older people to make them aware of what’s happened.”
Pc Pearce added: “Distraction burglars pretend to be someone they are not in order to gain entry to your home. Remember that genuine callers won’t mind checks. If you feel at all unsure, schedule a time for the caller to come back when a friend or relative is there.
”Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact South Wales Police quoting occurrence 2200397931. You can report online, via email (swp101@ south-wales.police.uk) or call 101.”