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Two cowardly conmen target elderly woman
POLICE are today hunting two cowardly conmen who used a fake identity card to steal several thousands of pounds from a trusting pensioner in the Fletton area of Peterborough.
POLICE are today hunting two cowardly conmen who used a fake identity card to steal several thousands of pounds from a trusting pensioner in the Fletton area of Peterborough.The 80-year-old woman, who lived in a road off Fletton High Street, Peterborough, was asked by one of the men who flashed fake electricity company ID, to go into her home to turn the power on and off. It was then that police believe a second man went into the elderly victim's bedroom to steal the nest-egg of cash.
Although only one man was seen, Detective Inspector Neil Sloan, who is leading the investigation, said two people could be involved in the "despicable" crime.
The elderly victim was in her home at about 2.15pm on Thursday when a man knocked at her door, claiming to be from an electricity company.
He produced what looked like an identification badge, said he needed to check "the meter and electrics" and asked the victim to turn an electricity switch on and off.
The man stood at the door and did not go upstairs. However, following the incident the victim discovered more than 3,000 had been stolen from a tin in her bedroom.
The cruel crime has led to a warning going out to people across the city about distraction burglaries.
DI Sloan said: "This was a despicable and cowardly crime and we doing everything we can to catch those responsible, and support the victim.
"Anyone with information should get in touch, particularly if they have seen, or know of, someone who has a large amount of cash that seems strange or out of character.
"It is also important that people remain vigilant in their neighbourhood, particularly in areas with vulnerable or elderly residents.
"There are a number of precautions people can take to reduce the risk of becoming a victim."
This incident follows several other distraction burglaries in and around the city in recent months, and elderly people have been warned not to keep large amounts of cash in their homes.
The man who was seen was white, in his early 30s, 5ft 7ins to 5ft 10ins tall, with short black hair, was clean shaven, and had ruddy cheeks.
He was wearing dark trousers, a dark jacket and had a name badge. He had a slight accent, but it is not known where from.
Anyone with information should call DI Sloan at Thorpe Wood police station on 0845 456 4564.
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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