Bogus workmen steal precious jewellery
Police are investigating a distraction burglary in Exeter where two men posed as council workmen to steal precious jewellery from an elderly woman.
The two men, who were wearing green jackets and white hard hats, called at the woman’s home in Laburnum Road, shortly after 11am on Friday [6 January].
They claimed they were from the council and asked to go into the house to look at areas of the property. One of the bogus workmen distracted the woman by asking for a drink while the other man went upstairs.
After conducting a tidy search one man left through an upstairs window while the other man went out the front door.
The victim, in her 70s, then noticed that precious wedding and engagement rings had been taken along with a quantity of cash.
Stolen were a heart-shaped silver and gold engagement ring, a gold ring with three diamonds, a gold ring with white and red stones and a gold signet ring.
Police are appealing for witnesses and urging anyone who saw the men in the Laburnum Road area on the morning of the offence to contact them.
They are also appealing for anyone who may have been offered the items for sale to get in touch with police.
Detective Constable Mike Doidge, of Exeter CID, said: “The victim was left extremely shaken by this incident and the stolen rings are of huge sentimental value to her. We are urging anyone who may have seen these men in the area around 11am to contact us.
“Bogus callers and rogue traders often prey on elderly and the vulnerable people, taking advantage of their trusting nature. We would therefore urge the public to be vigilant against cold callers and report any suspicious activity immediately. Legitimate callers, including council workers, always carry ID and will not mind if you shut and lock the door while you verify that they are genuine.”
Anyone with information about the burglary is asked to contact police via 101@dc.police.uk or by telephone on 101, quoting crime reference CR/001438/17.
Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
For further information about doorstep crime visit: https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/advice/your-home/doorstep-crime/
