91 year-old woman victim of distraction burglary

Image courtesy of Southernwater.co.uk

THAMES Valley Police is appealing for information after a distraction burglary in Longwick, near Princes Risborough.

At around 8.15pm on Wednesday (4/5), a man knocked on the door of a house in Thame Road, (A4129), Longwick.

When the victim, a 91-year-old woman, answered the door, the man said he worked for the water board and that there was an issue with the water.

Despite being asked for identification which he failed to produce, the man was able to persuade the victim to let him into the house to check the sink and taps in the kitchen. Whilst he and the victim were in the kitchen, offenders climbed into the house through the front windows. They searched the bedrooms and stole a handbag containing her purse and money.

All the offenders then left the property. It is thought that they may have used a vehicle to leave the area as Longwick is a rural location.

Only the man in the kitchen was seen by the victim. He is described as being of mixed race, around 25 to 30 years-old, 5ft 8ins tall and of medium build. He was wearing leather gloves and a jacket.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101.

If you do not want to speak directly to the police, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.