AN APPEAL has been launched after two pensioners were targeted in distraction burglaries this week.

At around 2pm on Sunday (November 19), an 89 year-old woman answered the door of her Worthing Avenue, in Gosport. home to a man she did not know.

He claimed to be carrying out building work on a neighbour’s property and asked for access to her garden.

The victim walked the man through her home to the garden and he left shortly afterwards.

Later it was discovered that her handbag had been taken.

The victim described the man as:

  • White
  • Aged in his forties
  • He was around 5ft 6ins tall
  • He was of a stocky build
  • He had short ginger-coloured hair and was clean shaven
  • He was wearing a dark jacket
  • He may have left in a white van

Police are making enquiries as to whether this distraction burglary is linked to a second incident which happened in Lee-on-the-Solent on November 20.

At around 11am, an 83 year-old woman answered the door of her Clifton Road, home to a man she did not know.

He claimed that his cat had been injured and may have run into her garden.

The victim led the man to her garden, but he did not call out for the animal and left shortly afterwards.

Later it was discovered that the victims handbag containing £220 cash and bank cards had been stolen.

The victim described the man as:

  • White.
  • He was around 5ft 5ins tall.
  • He was wearing a beige coloured puffy coat, camouflage design baggy trousers, a cream coloured baseball cap, and dark coloured trainers.

Both victims have been visited by officers and we are keen that anyone with elderly friends, relatives, or neighbours in the area passes on the below crime prevention advice.

If you spot anything suspicious relating to elderly residents please call us immediately on 101.

Police would like to remind residents of the following advice: 

  • Never open your door to someone you don’t know or aren’t expecting. Most callers are genuine, but it’s important to be on your guard. Always make sure a caller is who they say they are before letting them into your home.
  • Distraction burglars may try to trick their way into your home by posing as officials or playing for sympathy by asking for help, such as to use your toilet or phone. These people often work in pairs or groups. The caller will try to distract you so their partner can sneak into your home to steal.
  • Genuine callers will be happy to show you their identification or call back when someone else is at home with you. So always ask if you’re unsure.
  • If you are a pensioner, have a disability or impairment, you may be able to set up a password with your energy provider to help protect you further.

If don’t know or aren’t expecting a caller:

  • Make sure your back door is locked before answering the front door Use a door chain when opening the door
  • Ask for identification and check it carefully before letting anyone in
  • Ask them to come back when someone else is at home with you
  • Direct people asking for help to a nearby shop or other public place, don’t let them in
  • Always report any suspicious callers to the police on 101

If you have any information relating to this case, please call 101 quoting reference '44170452130/ 44170452058', or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.