Distraction Burglaries in Peterborough

We would like to make you aware of a possible emerging series of distraction burglaries in Peterborough.

On Saturday 30th November a male attended the home address of two elderly victims in Orton Longueville. The male victim (83 years old) has mobility problems. The female victim (78) has Parkinsons. He claimed to have completed work to the victims roof. He wanted £80 for the work. We suspect no work was carried out. The suspect was paid as he argued the matter with both victims.

On Sunday 1st December 2013, the same suspect returned and claimed that he had left keys in the address. He pushed past the elderly female victim who couldn't do anything to stop him. The suspect went to where the family kept the money (as he saw it the previous day) and removed the lot. It's predicted anything between £600-£700 was stolen.

On Thursday 5th December at approx midday a male attended the home address of an elderly gentleman (90 years old) in Dogsthorpe and demanded money for having cleaned the gent's guttering. No work had been carried out. The male was invited into the kitchen and an amount of money has now been reported as missing. On this occasion a witness stated that the male was wearing what looked like a 3/4 length dark coat.

On Friday 6th December in the morning a male attended the home address of an 84 year old female in Orton Longueville and demanded money for guttering work. The lady refused to pay him and he got quite agitated with her before walking off.

The male in question is described as white, short brown hair, local English accent in his 30's. He was wearing dark messy clothing, slim build and was clean shaven. No vehicle seen although we believe the male will have a vehicle parked close by.

Please could all residents be advised to remain vigilant and report anything at all suspicious by dialing 101 and asking for your local Crime Reduction Officer; it is very important that elderly or vulnerable people do not open the door to uninvited callers and they should be encouraged to use their door chains whenever possible.

Source:
Helen O'Driscoll
Crime Reduction Officer - South
Community Intervention Team Peterborough