Distraction burglaries in East Devon
Detectives are urging the public to be vigilant following a spate of distraction burglaries in Sidmouth and Beer yesterday afternoon [Monday 24 July].
The first incident happened at Sweet Temptations on Market Place, Sidmouth, between 11.50pm and 12pm.
A man entered the shop asking if a parcel had been left for him. The assistant has left the till area to look out the back for the parcel only to return moments later to find that around £40 cash was missing from the till. [CR/061279/17 refers].
The second incident happened at Sidsoft House on Church Street, Sidmouth, between 11.50pm and 12pm.
A man entered the store and made an excuse to distract the shop owner into leaving the till area. Around £220 was taken from the cash register. [CR/061287/17 refers].
The third incident happened at The Village Store at Greymouth House, Fore Street, in Beer, between 1pm and 1.15pm.
A man has entered the shop and asked staff to look for a walking stick that his mother had left behind. The offender was allegedly on the phone to his mother and mentioned a member of staff called ‘Viv’. When the shop assistant returned, cash had been taken from the till amounting to around £400. [CR/061305/17 refers].
The suspect is described as 5ft 10ins to 6ft 3ins, white, wearing a navy tee-shirt, jeans and a maroon coloured zipped hoody. He is believed to be around 40-years-old to 45-years-old.
DI Grant Leitch said: “I urge the public to be vigilant in recognising when an offender is attempting to exploit people’s better nature.
“In this instance, the offender asked for assistance purely to distract the victim and thereby make it a viable theft to complete. Clearly, one always wishes to help people, but I recommend calling upon colleagues to ensure that tills and cash desks are not left unattended.
“If such a situation does occur or if you regard the behaviour of any person as suspicious, hold in mind a full description of the suspect and contact the police.
“Together, we can prevent and detect these crimes.”
Anyone with information is requested to contact DI Leitch on telephone number 101 or you can email 101@dc.police.uk quoting crime number CR/061279/17.
Or alternatively information can be provided anonymously via crime stoppers on telephone 0800 555 111
