NEWS RELEASE 13/01/2003

Appeal after distraction burglary

BEDFORDSHIRE police is appealing for witnesses after a bogus water official made off with £300 from the home of a Leighton Buzzard pensioner. It happened between 1.45pm and 2pm on Friday (January 10) at Van Dyke Road when the offender called at the home of an 88-year-old claiming there had been an explosion in George Street and he needed to release pressure on the water system. He turned on the kitchen taps and examined the water meter before encouraging the pensioner to repeatedly flush the toilet and turn on the bath taps. The offender told the victim he would be back the following day to dig up the road, but while distracting his attention an accomplice slipped into the lounge and grabbed £300 from a drawer. PC John Sansom, investigating, said the offender was white, aged around 27 years, 5ft 6ins, clean shaven with black hair. He was of thin build, had a ruddy complexion, a local accent and wore dark shoes and dark clothing. PC Sansom urged the elderly to always use a door chain and spy hole, insist on identification and contact the relevant utility company, or police, if they are in any doubt. He said: “This is an example of two offenders preying on the most vulnerable members of our society. We would urge anyone who saw them in the area to get in touch and remind other elderly people to be on their guard.” Anyone with information should telephone police on 01582 471212 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.