Nottinghamshire Police

Home > Appeals > Appeals > Couple distracted while burglar steals cash

Couple distracted while burglar steals cash

Updated on 16th September 2012

Police are urging Mansfield residents to be vigilant against bogus callers after an elderly couple fell victim to a distraction burglary.

It happened at around 11am on Friday (14 September 2012) when a man knocked on the door of the couple’s home in Jenford Street, produced an identity card and purported to be from a water company.
 
He kept the pair occupied while another person is believed to have entered their house through the front door and stolen a quantity of cash.
 
No one was injured in the incident.

The man, who spoke with a local accent, is described as white and in his early 30s. He was around 5ft 7ins tall, of slim build, with short dark hair. He was wearing a white shirt, a sleeveless pullover and black trousers.

Police patrols have been stepped-up in the area in a bid to deter potential burglars and provide reassurance to the local community.

Officers are urging residents to be cautious. Never let strangers into your house. Ask to see identification and phone the company they claim to be working for to verify they are who they say they are.

If in any doubt, simply do not open the door.

Keep external doors locked at all times, even if you are in the back garden, and be mindful of leaving open windows unattended.

Don’t leave valuables on display or near windows or doors, and do not keep large amounts of money on the premises.  

Witnesses, anyone who has experienced a similar visit, or who has information, should contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident 238 of 14 September, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Go back to Appeals list »