Elderly woman victim of distraction burglary

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward after an elderly woman was the victim of a distraction burglary in her home in Newton Abbot.

The woman, aged 90, had around £50 stolen from her purse after letting the suspect into her home.

Police are keen for anyone who saw the man to get in touch as soon as possible.

The theft took place on Sunday 24th April between 2pm and 3pm when a man knocked on the woman’s front door in Wolborough Street saying he had been running and asked to use her toilet and have a drink. The woman let him in and the following day he returned supposedly to say hello.

When the man left the home the woman realised her purse had been stolen.

The suspect is described as white man, around 17  or 18 years old, 5'8" to 5'10" and of slim build.  He had dark, ruffled hair which was spiked up at front (2"), the remainder of hair was tidy and not long.  He was clean shaven.  He was wearing a dark jacket, dark jeans and dirty white trainers.

DC Rich Jones said: “This is a despicable crime involving the deliberate targeting of an elderly person.  Did anyone see the male described above or anyone acting suspiciously in the area at the times stated.  Anyone with information that could help with enquiries is requested to contact police quoting log 0628 of 25/04/16.”

Get in touch with the police via email on 101@dc.police.uk or call 101.