Pensioner's purse stolen in Ringmer distraction burglary (From The Argus)

Pensioner's purse stolen in Ringmer distraction burglary

8:51am Saturday 9th February 2013 in News

A 80-year-old woman had her purse stolen during a distraction burglary at her home.
 

The woman answered the door in Lewes Road, Ringmer, during the evening of February 7 to a man who claimed that two men were acting suspiciously in the area and he needed to check inside her house.
 

She assumed he was a police officer and let him in.
 

He then asked her to check around whilst he waited and when she returned he walked out.

She immediately became suspicious and found her purse missing from her handbag.
 

The man is described as white, in his late 30s, about 5ft 10in 10 with dark brushed back hair and wearing a jumper and dark trousers.

Detective Inspector Gavin Patch said: "It's tragic that people will take advantage of the vulnerable and elderly in their homes.

"I would urge people to be wary of doorstep callers.
 

“You should not feel compelled to let them in regardless of who they say they are or who you think they are.
 

Always ask for ID and if in doubt keep them out.
 

A genuine caller won't mind waiting while you verifying who they are.”
 

Anyone with information is asked to call Sussex Police on 101.