Witness Appeal - Distraction Burglary

Police are appealing for witnesses after an 81-year-old woman had £110 stolen when she opened her front door to a man and woman posing as officials from Age Concern. The couple called at the woman’s home in Crispin Close, Beddington, yesterday (Sunday 5th Sept) at around 2.00pm. The resident who had been watching TV put the chain on the door and asked who was calling. The couple said they were from Age Concern and flashed some ID.

On being allowed in, the female suspect asked to go to the toilet and for a cup of water leaving the other suspect alone in the living room. The male suspect told the resident that they were going to arrange for a new lock on her living room door as there was a lot of paint on it.
After the suspects had left the woman noticed her handbag was open. Her brown purse with the word ‘Malta’ on the front, which was the last gift her late husband had bought her, was missing. A total of £110 in cash, some keys and stamps were taken.

Marion Harper, Director of Age Concern Sutton, said that Age Concern staff do not undertake unsolicited visits. “When looking to make a visit, our staff would always make an appointment in advance. If someone calls and says they are from Age Concern and haven’t made a prior appointment, then don’t let them in.” Marion added: “Even though a knock at the door would be welcomed by most older people, please don’t respond unless you know who is calling.”

PC Pat Simcox, of Sutton’s Crime Prevention Team, reassured residents that crimes like this are rare in the borough. Pat reiterated the advice not to allow in any callers you don’t know or aren’t expecting. “If in doubt, keep them out - and call police immediately,” she said.

The callers are both described as white and around 20 years old. The woman is described as about 5ft 8in tall with straight, black, shoulder length hair. She wore a short, light coloured top. The man is described as about 5ft 5in tall with fair short hair. He wore a blue checked shirt.

If you can help police with their enquiries into this incident please call Sutton CID on 020 8649 0747. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.