|
Police are urging residents to be on their guard following a spate of distraction burglaries. Four distraction burglaries occurred in the county on Friday July 11, 2008. On three occasions, callers claimed to be from the Water Board.
The first burglary was reported to police shortly after midday, when two men called at an address in the area of Edward Street, Hinckley and asked the elderly occupant to keep turning the taps on and off. Whilst doing so, one of the men went into another room. Cash was later found to be missing. One of the men is described as white, 5'8" tall, around 40 years old, of proportionate build with dark hair. He was wearing a dark jacket and black woollen gloves. The second man is described as white, 5'0" tall, of proportionate build, with short, dark, wavy hair. He was wearing a dark coloured jacket. The second incident occurred at around 1pm the same day in the area of Sheepy Road, Twycross, when the occupant discovered two men inside the house, near to the rear door. When he confronted the men, one of them claimed he was collecting refuse. One of the men is described as white, in his early 20's, 5'8" tall, with short, dark hair, wearing a dark leather jacket. The third burglary took place around 1.40pm in the area of Baker Avenue, Ashby-de-la-Zouch when a man knocked on the door of the address stating he needed to check the taps. An amount of cash was stolen. The suspect is described as being white, 25-30 years old, 5'7" tall, of stocky build, clean shaven, with short cropped hair, wearing an anorak and dark trousers. Officers received reports of a further burglary at around 5.15pm, when a man called at an address in the area of Mill Lane, Thurmaston, claiming he needed to turn the stop tap off in connection with some nearby roadworks. The occupant took the man to the shed as he stated that he needed a screwdriver, but on returning to the house, saw two further men inside the house. It is not believed anything was stolen. Residents are reminded to check the identification of any caller. If they are genuine, they will not mind you checking their ID and most will be happy to make an appointment and return at a later date or time. If you do answer the door to a stranger always put the chain on first and if you are in any doubt dial 999 and contact the police. Anyone who has any information about the above distraction burglaries should contact Leicestershire Constabulary on Leicester (0116) 222 2222, quoting the relevant reference number. Alternatively, you may contact Crimestoppers which is free* and anonymous on 0800 555 111. * Please note, some mobile networks may charge for this call. |
News and Sport 
