Distraction burglary in Dartford
Police
have released an image of a man they would like to speak to in
connection with a distraction burglary in Dartford.
Officers were called on Monday, October 29 following reports
that £2,000 cash and other documents including a passport, cheque
book and pension book were allegedly stolen.
An 88-year-old man told police that at about 3pm he got off the
96 bus at West Hill on his way to the shops when he was approached
by a man claiming he had been to the man’s property and fitted a
fireplace.
He told the pensioner he needed to do a follow-up call, but the
victim didn’t recognise him.
Finishing his shopping, the victim returned on the same bus home
and upon arriving at his front door at about 4pm, the same man
appeared asking to look at his fire.
He was let into the house and immediately told the owner he
could smell gas. The owner explained that he didn’t want any work
done to his fire and offered the man £10 to leave.
The offender asked to use the toilet but is reported by the
victim as seen coming out of the kitchen with something under his
arm before leaving the house.
Detective Constable Louise Randall said: “This incident involved
a vulnerable man in what appears to be a pre-planned crime. The
offender is described as being white, about 40-years-old, with
short fair hair and he was wearing a thick dark jumper at the
time.’
Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Louise Randall on
101 quoting reference XY/32897/12.
You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
23/11/12