Elderly woman victim of distraction burglary

Police are appealing for witnesses after an elderly woman was the victim of a distraction burglary in her home in the Whipton area of Exeter.

The incident happened around 3-3.30pm on Wednesday 10 August 2016.

The woman had £100 taken from her bedroom after a man attended her address stating that he was a gardener and offered to do some work for her the following day. However, before he left he asked the lady if he could use her upstairs bathroom to which she agreed and allowed him into her home.

After he left, the victim later discovered that £100 had been removed from a bedroom drawer.

The suspect is described as white, in his 40's, 5’10” tall, and wearing a green sweater with a logo on it. Police are keen for anyone who saw the man to get in touch as soon as possible. DC Heidi Voaden, of Exeter CID, said: “This is a despicable crime involving the deliberate targeting of an elderly person. Did anyone see the male described above or anyone acting suspiciously in the area at the times stated?

"Anyone with information that could help with enquiries is requested to contact police.”

If you have any information that could help with this investigation, please contact the police by email at 101@dc.police.uk or by calling call 101, quoting crime reference CR/056110/16.

Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or reporting online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

More information about keeping your home secure can be found on our website: www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/prevention-and-advice/your-home