Appeal as elderly targeted in crime series
 

 

Police are appealing for witnesses and urging members of the public to be extra vigilant following eleven distraction burglaries recently which are believed to be linked.

 

The incidents have occurred in the areas of Hatfield, Hitchin, Royston, Hemel Hempstead, Harpenden, St Albans and Cuffley. In most cases a man knocks at the door of the victim, claims to be carrying out building work in a neighbouring property and that he has burst a pipe and needs to check the victim’s water supply. The victim is then distracted in the property whilst a second offender enters the house and commits a burglary.

 

The offenders are described as two white men, with Irish accents, between the ages of 30 and 50. One man is said to have a very slim build and the second is said to be larger.

 

Detective Sergeant Alex Tyrrell from the specialist team, Operation Manhunt, said: “We believe all of these crimes are linked due to the descriptions of the offenders and the method they are using.

 

“These offenders are specifically targeting the elderly, because they can often be more trusting of callers. I’d reassure people that we have a team of specialist officers investigating these burglaries, however in the meantime I would urge people to be extra vigilant and to remind their older friends and relatives not to open the door to anyone they are not expecting.

 

“I’d also like to hear from anyone who may have had a similar call at their door, or if you believe you have witnessed any of these incidents or to anyone who might have seen suspicious activity in their area.

 

“If you can help, please call police via the non-emergency number on 0845 33 00 222. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers, the independent charity, on 0800 555 111.”

 

Details of a Hatfield incident:

Between 2.15pm and 3.30pm on Wednesday, December 5 in Bradshaws, Hatfield

 

By Hertfordshire Constabulary