Downham woman (92) shaken by theft
A 92-year-old woman has been left badly shaken after becoming the victim of a distraction theft.
The incident took place some time between 7.55pm and 8.10pm yesterday (Thursday), at an address in Sandfield Road, Downham.
"The victim answered her door to a man who said he needed to enter the property to check the water pressure," a spokesman for Norfolk police said.
She refused and asked to see his identification. The male did not have any and said he would get his boss to verify who he was. Another male then appeared. The first offender became more persistent and was eventually let in. But as he was shown through to the kitchen he distracted the victim by turning on her taps while the second male is believed to have stolen a handbag from her bedroom.
The bag, which was brown, contained numerous bank cards, a cheque book and a substantial amount of cash.
Det Con Steve Moseley from Norfol's Operation RADAR Team, said: "The victim had the foresight to ask the man for identification but he was extremely persuasive, not only by claiming to introduce his boss to her but also by stating that he believed the property could be at risk of flooding.
"The victim was left very shaken by the incident and we would like to urge anyone who believes they may have seen the two men in the area yesterday evening to make contact.
"We would also like to take the opportunity to urge other householders to beware of such callers who as we have seen on this occasion can prove very persuasive."
The first offender was described as white, aged around 30, wearing blue/black trousers and a blue/black knitted hat.
The second male was described as white, aged around 50, wearing a grey jacket and a tweed-style cap.
Witnesses are asked to contact the Operation RADAR team on 0845 456 4567 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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