Avon and Somerset Police are asking people to be on their guard against doorstep crime, and have launched an appeal for information, after a theft from a pensioner’s home in Bath.
It happened between 4.30 and 5pm on Thursday 16th June in the Bathampton Lane area of the city.
Two men called at the home of an 89-year-old lady. They claimed to have spotted repairs needed on her home while working nearby.
One of the men came into her home to discuss it. Soon after the men left she found that cash had been taken from her handbag and called the police.
The man who came into the house was described as white, aged 30 to 40, about 5ft 5ins tall and of slim to medium build. He was clean shaven and wore a white open-necked shirt and smart, dark-coloured trousers.
He was with a second man who was also white and similarly dressed. This man was described as older, aged 40 to 50, of similar height but a larger build.
Neighbourhood Inspector Adrian Fallows said: “I would ask anyone with any information which could help our enquiries into this crime to get in touch.
“We have already carried out house-to-house enquiries and crime scene investigators have examined the property.
“If you have vulnerable elderly relatives and friends, please remind them of our doorstep crime prevention messages and if you see anyone suspicious calling on older neighbours’ homes then we want to hear from you straight away.”
You can help vulnerable elderly people stay safe from doorstep crime by:
- Supporting them with their banking – helping them get to their branch or with online banking – so they don’t keep large sums of cash at home;
- Keeping household maintenance and gardening under control, or helping to get three quotes from reputable traders for any work that needs doing;
- Encouraging your older friends or relatives to keep their doors and windows secure. If they have mobility problems and have regular visitors like Meals on Wheels or carers, consider getting a door entry system fitted;
- Calling 101 to report anyone going door-to-door calling on vulnerable elderly neighbours as it happens, with descriptions and vehicle details.
Insp Fallows stressed: “The most important message for anyone concerned about doorstep crime is ‘if you’re not sure, don’t open the door’.”
You can get in touch with information through the police online form, www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101 quoting reference 5216132026.
Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online (www.crimestoppers-uk.org) or by calling 0800 555 111. They never ask your name or trace your call.
There’s more doorstep crime prevention tips, including advice on setting up a ‘no cold calling’ zone on the police website: https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/crimeprevention.
