Greenmeadow pensioner victim of distraction burglary (From Swindon Advertiser)

Greenmeadow pensioner victim of distraction burglary

4:25pm Monday 1st October 2012 in News By Web Team

A 90-YEAR-OLD man has become the victim of a distraction burglary.

The incident happened on September 3 at the victim's home in Severn Avenue.

He was tending the front garden of the property when he was approached by a man who explained he had been repairing a roof nearby, and asked the OAP if he wanted his gutters repaired.

The householder said he was not interested and walked along his drive and through his conservatory to the back garden to collect a spade.

He was followed by the suspect who claimed that the gutter at the back was cracked and said he could repair it.

The resident made clear he did not want any work done and returned to the front garden.

The suspect said he would get him a business card and walked off along Trent Road.

The victim later discovered that his wallet, which had been in the conservatory, was missing. It contained £40 (one £20 note and two £10 notes), a Post Office account number, bus pass and various store cards.

PC Benarth Pierrepont, of the Priority Crime Team at Gablecross Police Station, said: “We are looking for a white male, about 5ft 9in tall, with proportionate build. He is thought to be in his late 40s with a fair complexion.

“He was clean shaven and wearing a cotton grey tracksuit and floppy felt hat which appeared to be off-white with a circular rim. He spoke with a local accent.

“This man has cynically talked his way into the home of an elderly gentleman in order to steal from him. We want to bring him to justice before he has a chance to strike again.”

If you have any information, please contact PC Pierrepont at Gablecross on 01793 507912 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.