Police appeal after two elderly women fall victim to 'distraction' burglary scam

Police in Plymouth are appealing for information following two separate distraction type burglaries.

On both occasions the victims were elderly women aged in their 80s.

The first incident occurred sometime between 11.45am and 1.15pm on Tuesday 15 October at a house in Embankment Road, Plymouth.

Two men gained entry via a rear door on the pretence that they were from the water board and trying to sort out an issue of 'toxic water' in the area.

Whilst one suspect engaged the owner in conversation, it is believed the other man went upstairs and searched the house. The victim later discovered that cash had been stolen.

The only description of one suspect is a man of slim build with a London accent.

The second incident occurred at around 11.00am on Saturday 19 October at a property in Pike Road, in the Efford area of Plymouth.

The elderly victim received a visit from two men who claimed they were going to cut down trees in the rear garden. One man kept the homeowner occupied in the garden and she lost sight of the second man. It wasn't until the men left that the victim discovered cash had been stolen from the lounge.

One suspect is described as being a white man, over six feet in height with short, brown hair and wearing a jumper. His accomplice was also white, but shorter in height.

A police spokesman said: “Do not let anyone into your home that you do not know, no matter how plausible, until you are certain they are legitimate.

“Genuine callers will carry identification and will be happy to show it.”

Anyone with any concerns regarding cold callers is asked to please contact police on 101.

Anyone with any information regarding either of these incidents is asked to contact police on 101 quoting police reference EC/13/10241.