Distraction Burglars In This Area

This information was sent to us on behalf of Surrey Police by Andy Reid (Surrey Police, InTheKnow.Community Administrator, Mole Valley):

Distraction burglars in Leatherhead target woman in her nineties

We’re looking for two men who conned their way into an elderly woman’s house in Leatherhead last week and stole a quantity of cash. The pair approached the victim outside her house on Upper Fairfield Road around 3.50pm on Friday 30 June and told her they urgently needed to turn off her water to prevent a leak. While one man was distracting her in the kitchen the other went upstairs and stole the money.

The first suspect is described as white, aged in his fifties, around 5ft 8” tall and of medium build. He was wearing a long sleeved black top and trousers and possibly a fawn coloured hat. He was clean shaven and spoke with a local accent.

The second suspect was also white but taller than the first man with dark short hair. He was of slim build, clean shaven and aged in his twenties. He too was wearing a long sleeved black top and trousers and spoke with a southern Irish accent.

PC Dave Collins said: “There have been several other similar offences in Leatherhead, Redhill and West Molesey recently and we want residents, carers and those with elderly or vulnerable relatives to be aware of these types of scams so they don’t become the next victim. If you have any information about the burglary in Upper Fairfield Road or saw anything suspicious please contact us on 101 so we can progress our investigation.”

Surrey Police provides the following advice to residents: The most important thing to remember is that water company officials do not need to access your home to test water pressure or repair a leak and if they do need to access your home, they will write to you to arrange a suitable appointment. If you have any doubts, don’t let the caller in. Telephone the company to confirm they are genuine. Use a number from a utility bill and not one the caller gives you.

Bogus workmen can be very persistent in persuading you that urgent work needs to be carried out on your property. Our advice is:
· Never agree to have work done by someone who turns up on your doorstep. Say no.
· If you home is in need of repair, use reputable workmen recommended by family and friends.

Other bogus callers:
· Be wary of people who knock on your door asking for a drink, looking for lost pets, asking to check your taps or asking to use your telephone. Say no and don’t let them in.
· Be cautious of unfamiliar youngsters saying their ball is in your garden. They may be attempting gain access to your home or trying to distract you.

Surrey Police urges anybody with information to call 101 quoting: 45170069984

. . . or report online at: https://www.surrey.police.uk/contact-us/report-online/report-a-crime/