Distraction burglary at the home of an elderly woman in Birstall

Detectives from Charnwood local policing unit are appealing for public help after a distraction burglary at the home of an elderly woman in Birstall.
The incident took place sometime between 7.30pm and 7.45pm on Monday November 7 in the Denegate Avenue area when two men entered the elderly victim’s home separately.
One of the men claimed that the other was a burglar and he was trying to detain him.
The victim was asked to check the locations where she kept her money and whilst she was distracted a fawn coloured handbag was stolen. The bag contained cash and paperwork.
Both suspects were white, one of them has been described as being about 5’5” tall, slim to medium build. He was wearing a black woolley hat and a grey top.
The second suspect was of similar description to the first suspect but possibly slightly younger and with a slimmer face.
Detective Constable Kerry Washington is investigating the incident, she said: “The suspects have tried to confuse the elderly occupant into informing them where she kept her personal possessions and then gone on to steal items from the premises.
“This was a despicable crime against an elderly woman and it is vitally important that we trace the people responsible.
“I would urge anyone who was visited in similar circumstances or saw two men acting suspiciously in the area on Monday evening to contact us.
“Even the slightest detail could help with our enquiries. Any calls received will be treated in confidence.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC 4442 Kerry Washington on Leicester 101*, follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer and when prompted key in the officer’s identification number 4442. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, which is free** and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

* Calls to 101 cost 15p for the entire call from both mobile ‘phones and landlines.

** Please note, some mobile phone service providers may charge for this call.

Issued on 11/11/11 at 14:49
Crime reference number: LC/03796/11-8

(Copied from Leicestershire Constabulary website)
- posted by allan on Saturday, November 12, 2011

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