A callous thief tricked his way into the home of a Worlsey pensioner by masquerading as a health carer before stealing from him.
The frail 86-year-old man from Queens Close answered his door to the offender who he didn’t recognise on Friday December 12 at 6pm.
The thief managed to convince him that he was in fact a carer enquiring about the pensioner’s medication.
Once he plotted his way inside, the thief made his way to his bedroom to rifle through the man’s draws.
A small amount of cash, a bank card that was later used to buy mobile phone credit, a gold wrist watch with an analogue face in a three-inch blue velvet square and a gold clawed ring with a garnet stone were some of the items that were taken.
Police Constable Ian Hall said: “The facts of this absolutely appalling crime speak for themselves. The offender impersonated a carer in order to trick his way into the home of a vulnerable man who lives alone and suffers from poor health.
“It is astonishing that anyone would stoop so low and yet that is exactly what the offender has done.
“Even later, when you might think he had chance to regret his actions, he showed he has no remorse by using the stolen card to top up his phone.”
Police are now appealing to anyone with information to come forward. The thief was seen as being white, about 20-years-old with short dark hair and wearing a black coat.
PC Hall added: “I firstly want to appeal to anyone who thinks they know who might be responsible to come forward. If you are offered any of the stolen jewellery by a man matching this description then call us immediately.
“We do not want this thief to profit still further by fencing the man’s jewellery so if you are offered these pieces, call us straightaway and you could help us reunite this man with what is rightly his.
“I also want to ask members of our community to help be our eyes and ears. If you see this man hanging around your neighbourhood, then again call us.
“At this time of year, we need to be extra vigilant and look out for our neighbours who may be suffering with poor health and stop them falling victim to this sort of cruel scam. So please, if you do have information then please call us.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0800 555 111 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Image courtsey of Google Maps, with thanks.
