Distraction burglary warning for Worksop area

Police are urging householders in the Worksop area to be aware of a number of distraction and sneak-in burglaries which were reported on Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th July.

In the first incident, a resident of St Anne’s Drive was sitting in her back garden at around 4pm on Monday when a man came into the garden and asked if she could change a £5 note for five £1 coins.

The woman went inside her house to find her purse, only to discover it had been taken. By this time, the man had left.

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The woman subsequently found that someone had been inside the house and had searched through drawers and a jewellery box in an upstairs room.

At around 7pm, a man got into the home of an elderly woman in Anston Avenue and asked to use the toilet. She allowed him to do so, but then discovered that cash had been stolen from the house.

A similar incident to the first was reported on Tuesday just before 11am.

On this occasion a man called at the Gateford Road home of a woman in her 80s and asked for change for a £10 note. He then followed her into her house, pushed past her, stole her purse and fled.

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Det Insp Ash Wilson said: “These incidents are extremely troubling, and each has been an example of an unscrupulous offender or offenders taking advantage of their victim’s trusting nature.”

“Once again, elderly and vulnerable victims appear to have been targeted and in two instances the offenders have gained access to the property before the householder has even been aware of them.”

He added: “Our enquiries are on-going and we are very keen to speak to anyone who saw someone acting suspiciously in these locations and around those times.”

“There may have been other incidents of unexpected callers asking similar questions of householders that have not been reported to us. Even if you turned them away, we would still like to hear from you.”

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“In the meantime, and particularly during this spell of hot weather, I would urge all householders to ensure their doors and windows are kept secure, and that valuable items are not kept on display or close to exits and entrances.”

If anyone has any information about these incidents they should telephone Notts Police on 101 and ask for Worksop CID.

Alternatively, they can telephone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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