Elderly woman victim of distraction burglary

The victim, in her 80s has been left shaken by the incident. Credit: PA Images

A woman in her 80s has been the victim of a distraction burglary after a man knocked on her door and claimed to be from the water board.

He said he needed to check the water pressure when the victim answered the door to her home in Drybrook, Forest of Dean.

The woman was then told to empty the cupboard under the kitchen and bathroom sinks so the offender could access the pipes. It was while they were both in the bathroom with the door closed behind them, that it is believed a second offender went into the home and stole a substantial amount of money. The victim has been left very shaken by the ordeal.

The man is described as:

  • White with a strong Irish accent

  • In his 30s, 5ft 6ins tall, medium build and clean shaven.

  • Wearing a beige or light grey baseball cap with 'Formula 1' printed on the front, with a red and white checked shirt and possibly shorts.

  • He left in a white 15 plate Volkswagen, which could have been a Golf with a twin exhaust.

Gloucestershire Constabulary have also outlined the following steps to help prevent people from being targeted:

  • If someone knocks on your door check who it is by looking through a window or peep hole.

  • If it is not someone you know or trust or a business caller who has made a pre-arranged appointment, do not open the door.

  • This advice applies whatever uniform the caller appears to be wearing or ID card they are carrying and however urgent their business claims to be.

  • Tell unexpected callers to leave and come back later at an agreed time when you can have someone with you.

  • In the meantime, check their credentials by calling the organisation they claim to represent. Do so by looking up the number in the phone book rather than relying on the one on their card as this could simply put you through to an accomplice of a potential offender.

  • Genuine staff from utility companies won't mind waiting while you do this or will call back later.

  • Watch if the caller appears to be in a hurry and never feel pressured or embarrassed into letting someone in.

  • The golden rule is ‘if in doubt, keep them out’.

Police are urging anyone who saw anything suspicious to contact 101 and quote incident number 263 of 1 June.