Warning after 94 year old becomes victim of distraction burglary
A 94-year-old man has become the victim of a distraction burglary after a cold caller tried to talk his way into his home.
The pensioner was at his home in Winterbourne Down, South Gloucestershire, when a man called to try and get him to have work done on his drains.
Suspicious of the man, the gentleman followed him out of the house, but spotted two other men in the garden.
The three men then made off in a small light-coloured car towards Cuckoo Lane.
The pensioner later found that cash had been taken from his home.
The 94-year-old did not report the incident - at around 4.20pm on Wednesday 31 May - to police, but instead to a neighbour, who immediately called officers.
Police have carried out door-to-door enquiries, and offered home security advice to the man, who is being supported by family, friends and carers.
A witness has described seeing three men in a silver Fiesta in the area on the day of the incident.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE AN UNEXPECTED CALLER:
If you are suspicious ring 999 straight away
Keep your cash in the bank, not at home
Keep windows and doors secured if you’re not in the room
Join Neighbourhood Watch
Set up a No Cold Calling Zone – contact your neighbourhood policing team or South Gloucestershire Council to find out more.
GENUINE CALLERS:
Expect you to check their identification before opening the door.
Would never try to rush you by claiming there’s an emergency.
Will happily make an appointment to come back when you can have a relative or friend with you.