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Sittingbourne war veteran Cyril Chambers devastated after life-savings stolen

A war veteran’s life savings were stolen after a bogus caller managed to con his way into his home.

Cyril Chambers lost £1,500 after he let the man in to his flat at Gibson Street, Sittingbourne.

The suspect claimed he was visiting the block of flats, which is owned by AmicusHorizon, to check for a gas leak.

Cyril Chambers, 89, had £1,500 stolen from him by a bogus caller who conned his way into his house
Cyril Chambers, 89, had £1,500 stolen from him by a bogus caller who conned his way into his house

It’s believed that while the 89-year-old accompanied the man into the kitchen, another person entered the property and took the cash.

Unfortunately, the trusting pensioner didn’t ask for ID.

“He wasn’t hurt, which is the main thing, but I’m outraged it has happened. How people can do this sort of thing is beyond me” - granddaughter Sophie Chambers

His granddaughter Sophie has spoken out to raise awareness and stop it from happening again.

The 27-year-old said: “If they don’t have ID or you’re unsure don’t let them in.

“The man buzzed the intercom system and my grandad let him in because he trusted they were a contractor as there has been work going on there recently.

“They went in to the kitchen as the man said he wanted to check the gas pipes in there.

“He then took a tea towel off the side and started fiddling around under the sink area.

“The police think the reason he grabbed the tea towel was so he didn’t leave any fingerprints behind.

“In the time he was in there, my grandad, although he didn’t see anyone else come in, says he’s sure someone did because the money was taken and the curtains had been drawn.

“I don’t know how long it took for him to realise the money had been taken but when he did, he called the police.”

She added: “He’s usually happy, go lucky. He’s a bit of a lad, likes to make a joke and he’s got good banter but he’s not his usual self. I think he’s more scared than he’s letting on.

Mr Chambers served aboard the destroyer HMS Kennet
Mr Chambers served aboard the destroyer HMS Kennet

“He wasn’t hurt, which is the main thing, but I’m outraged it has happened. How people can do this sort of thing is beyond me.”

An AmicusHorizon spokesman said: “We regularly remind residents to be vigilant when opening their door to unexpected callers. We urge residents to ask for ID if somebody claims to be from a service company and if they’re not sure then we urge them not to let that person inside.”

Since the theft happened on Wednesday, July 29 a Go Fund Me account has since been set up by a relative after people offered donations to Mr Chambers.

So far more than £750 has been raised thanks to friends, family and strangers.

Mr Chambers, who served in the Royal Naval as a seaman on HMS Kennett in the Mediterranean, said: “It made me feel rough, it upset me and I was quite shaken. I’m feeling alright now.”

He also thanked everyone who has donated money.


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