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Officers from the Priority Crime Unit at Basingstoke are warning residents to be on their guard following a distraction burglary in Overton on Tuesday, December 4.
Sometime between 2pm and 2.30pm, a man visited an address in Harveys Field and told the 92-year-old resident she had won a prize in a draw. The visitor was joined by a second man, who went into the first floor flat and held the pensioner by the wrists to make her sit down in the lounge. The men searched the flat and then left, although nothing appears to have been taken. The first man is described as: - 5ft 4ins to 5ft ins tall
- With short dark hair
- Wearing dark clothing
The second man was taller and of a heavier build and both men spoke with foreign accents. Civilian investigator Tony Fell, from Basingstoke’s Priority Crime Unit, said: “We are trying to trace anyone who may have seen two men matching these descriptions, and in particular any details of any vehicles seen in the area, as it is thought a silver Citroen C5 and a gold Mercedes may be connected to this incident. “Telling the victim she had won a prize appears to be the latest distraction ruse in attempting to gain access to vulnerable people’s houses. We believe this method was used unsuccessfully later the same day in Bishops Green so we would urge people to be on their guard. “This is a despicable crime whereby criminals deliberately target elderly and vulnerable members of our community and these incidents can have a huge effect on the victims. “I would ask family and friends to remind relatives and elderly neighbours not to let anyone they do not know into their home.” Officers are offering the following Safer Homes advice to avoid becoming a victim of this sort of crime:
Burglars can fool you into thinking they are genuine callers. Don't be the one who invites them in. If in doubt, keep them out! • Stop – are you expecting anyone to call on you? Do you know the person at the door? Don’t be misled by what appear to be genuine reasons for calling on you.
• Check – A genuine caller will carry identification and will be happy to wait outside while you check it. Remember to source your own number for the company they are claiming to be from; don’t accept a number from the caller.
• Chain – fit a door chain or spy hole so that you can speak to callers or check who they are without opening the door fully. Anyone with any information should contact Basingstoke’s Priority Crime Unit on 0845 045 45 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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