News Item - News - Surrey Police

Unusual offender description for Woking burglary

Submitted: 30/07/2010 10:51:22

Police are appealing for help in identifying the distraction burglar

Officers in Woking are appealing to members of the public for help in identifying a suspect in a distraction burglary offence in Woking, who is himself described as 60-years-old.

The offender tricked his older victim into handing over £60 in cash after claiming she had not paid for some gardening work undertaken the previous year. The incident happened in Horsell on Monday, 12 July when the suspect knocked on the door in the High Street area at around 3.30pm. The 87-year-old resident’s sister opened the door and invited the uninvited caller in after hearing his claim.

The householder believing that she did owe the sum handed over the cash. It was not until later that the sisters discovered that bank correspondence and a National Savings book had been stolen.

The suspect is described as a white man, who was clean shaven and spoke with a local accent. He was wearing a flat cap and glasses.

Woking’s Crime Reduction Advisor PC Tracy Spencer said: “It is unusual for a distraction offender to be of this age and I want to make residents aware that this type of con is currently being used in the neighbourhood. It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that this type of callous crime is prevented.

“Residents must be aware of their own security whilst relatives and neighbours should keep an eye out for the more vulnerable. I would encourage members of the public to make police aware if they see someone acting suspiciously in their neighbourhood.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222 quoting reference WK/10/5211. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously and free of charge on 0800 555 111.