Elderly warned to be vigilant

Police in Devon are urging pensioners to be vigilant after an elderly, vulnerable couple were targeted.

The warning follows a burglary in which thousands of pounds of cash was taken.

The crime occurred between 8.00pm and 10.00pm on Thursday 4th September when three men attended the Devon couple's home clamimg to be HM Customs officers from Exeter.

They stated that they had arrested the occupant’s son and needed to search the property.

They did not offer any identification.

The couple, who live in Okehampton, believing they were genuine, allowed the burglars to search their home and the loft area, during which time the offenders stole a mobile phone and two thousand pounds in cash.

They then asked to search the garage which is not connected to the property and they then made good their escape.

Their son who resides in London had not been arrested, and the couple are very shaken following the incident.

The description of the offenders is very vague, only that they are aged between 30 and 50 yrs and casually dressed.

HMRC advise that they would not usually visit an elderly relative of any suspect unless there was specific reason to do so.

If they were to conduct a visit it would be arranged via phone-call or letter depending on the urgency of the visit. They would automatically show their ID and the associative paperwork at the time of entry and they would leave receipts for any property removed. They would look to contact the local Police first in order that a uniform officer could accompany them at the time.

Police are advising the public to be vigilant and not allow anyone into their property unannounced unless they provide identification.
If in doubt, insist on calling the relevant agency first to verify a caller’s identification.

Anyone with any information regarding this burglary is asked to contact police on 101 quoting police reference CR/104148/14 or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or report online at www.Crimestoppers-uk.org