'Neighbour' Distraction Burglary

Sent via the Neighbourhood Watch Owl messaging service

At about 3pm Thursday 19th August a distraction burglary was committed in Ely Walk, Longton.

The offender knocked at the door of an elderly lady and said that he was calling at the home of a neighbour - who was out at that moment. He asked to use the toilet. The lady invited him in. He used the toilet, came back, sat down and asked for a cup of tea. When the lady went into the kitchen, the offender stole her purse and left.

The offender is described as a white male, about 40 years old, 6ft. tall, and nearly bald. He was wearing green overalls.

This is not the first occasion that this method has been used to gain entry viz knocking on the door purporting to be visiting a neighbour who is out. The offender will often know the name of the neighbbour that he is purporting to visit and will often ask if he can come in to wait.

There are inherent dangers in allowing strangers into your home -particulary for sole occupants. We run a scheme called 'Nominate a Neighbour' which can help protect people from stragers at the door.

Click here for more details about the Nominate a Neighbour pack