Spate Of Distraction Burglaries

THE Police are warning residents across Oxfordshire to be on their guard after a spate of distraction burglaries yesterday throughout Monday (26/2).
Incidents happened in Chinnor, Islip, Cowley, Wallingford, Benson and Chazey Heath. There were also incidents in Reading, Bracknell, Langley and Windsor which police believe could be linked.

At midday a man came to the door of an elderly woman on Glimbers Grove, in Chinnor. He told the 84-year-old woman that he was from the Water Board. He was allowed into the kitchen and turned on the taps. He asked for some change and after he left the woman discovered a substantial amount of cash was missing. The man is white, 20-30 years old, well built, and was wearing a black jacket.

Police believe the incidents could be linked. Det Sgt Alan Clements, investigating the crimes, said: ?We think this is a group which may have travelled in from another area.

?If they have called at your door and you turned them away then please contact us. If you have seen a group of young men acting suspiciously and knocking on doors in your area this could also be vital to our investigation.

?It is very likely they are using a vehicle so again, if you see something suspicious then report it.

?My advice to people in the area is not to open the door to anyone you don?t know who turns up unannounced.

?If you have elderly friends or relatives please ensure they are aware of this advice and stress how important it is not to open the door to anyone they don?t know. Please encourage them not to keep large amounts of cash at home.

?There is no such thing as the Water Board and any utility company will not turn up unannounced.

?We are investigating these incidents and looking at other distraction burglaries in Oxfordshire and the rest of the force to see if they are linked. Please help us catch these cowardly criminals.?