Distraction Burglaries in the county 24/11 - 27/11.

This is a message for ALL Neighbourhood Watch members, Leicestershire Constabulary has issued advice after a number of distraction burglaries in the county in the past week.
All of the incidents have taken place at the homes of elderly people when the victims were distracted by visitors posing as workmen and cash and bank cards have been stolen. Your area may not have been targeted yet, but please warn your elderly and vulnerable residents to be aware of any unwanted callers.

Incidents have occurred at the following locations:
Sandhurst Street, Oadby at about 2pm on Thursday November 24 when a handbag containing two wallets, store cards and cash was stolen.
Holmfield Road, Leicester at about 12.40pm on Friday November 25 when a handbag containing cash and cards were stolen
Uppingham Road, close to the Goodwood Road area, Leicester at about 7.40pm on Friday November 25 when cash was stolen
Two of the incidents occurred in Willow Street, Leicester around 4.45pm on Saturday November 26, a purse containing cards and cash was stolen from one of the properties, nothing was stolen from the second house.
Queens Road, Leicester at about 1pm on Sunday November 27 when two wallets containing cash were stolen.
Detective Inspector Rob Widdowson is overseeing the investigations, he said: “Any incident where an elderly or vulnerable person has been deliberately targeted is despicable. Incidents of this nature are extremely rare and it is vitally important that we get this appeal across to as many people as possible so we can reduce the chances of this happening again. Even though the victims weren’t hurt in any way it’s still distressing for them. We are actively investigating all of the incidents and studying any available CCTV from these areas in a bid to identify those responsible. We are in the early stages of our enquiries and are looking at the possibility that these incidents may be linked''.

“We are keen to speak to anyone who may have been visited in similar circumstances and anyone who may have seen someone paying a lot of attention to properties in the area.
“Did you see any vehicles not usually seen in the area being driven around or parked? Even the slightest detail could help with our investigation.
“We would like to take this opportunity to reiterate our advice to those who are visited in similar circumstances, please check the identity of the individual with the organisation they are claiming to represent – if you have any doubts, don’t let them in and contact the police immediately.

“We would ask anyone who has an elderly or vulnerable neighbour to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity and report any suspicions to the police.”
Anyone with any information about the incidents is asked to contact DC 4610 Katie Leadbetter on 101*, follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer and when prompted key in the officer’s identification number 4610. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, which is free** and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

(Information from Leicestershire Constabulary via the County NHW Association)
- posted by allan on Tuesday, November 29, 2011

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