Distraction burglar steals cash and jewellery from elderly residents in Derbyshire

The thief who was claiming to visit homes to check the water supply, targeted three properties in Alfreton, all with elderly residents, between 5pm and 6pm yesterday evening.

Officers are calling on people to be wary of unexpected visitor knocks on their doors after the spate of distraction burglaries.

The offender who pretended to be a doorstep caller asked residents to stand next to the tap while he checked the house and raided the occupants belongings.

Jewellery was stolen from a flat in Pentrich Road, Swanwick, while cash was stolen from one of two flats that were burgled in Firs Garden, Alfreton.

All three victims were left shaken but unharmed, according to police.

The offender was white, about 5ft 10ins, of skinny build and was wearing a navy peaked cap, a checked shirt, denim jeans and was wearing a face mask.

Officers are also urging residents, particularly elderly or vulnerable people, to make sure they keep their front and back doors locked, even when they are at home and to think about whether they are expecting anyone when they get a knock.

If you decide to open the door, put the door chain on first and ask the caller’s ID and check it by phone before allowing them entry.

Police also encourage particularly vulnerable residents to telephone a neighbour or a nearby friend to help them check out the caller before opening the door to them and insist on checking the person’s identity.

You should not us any telephone numbers provided by the caller as they may be bogus and large quantities of cash should not be kept at home, but put in a bank or post office.

Officers also reminded residents that it is not rude to refuse someone entry into your home.

Anyone who recognises the man from the description, or saw him in the area and knows what vehicle he may have been using, should contact Derbyshire Constabulary by calling 101.

Alternatively, people can submit information to the force through Facebook, Twitter and their website.

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