Distraction burglary in Lawshall

A property in Lawshall was targeted in a distraction burglary on Tuesday evening (August 25).

The elderly resident, aged in his eighties, heard a knock at the back door.

He opened it to find a man stating he needed to check the water supply as his neighbours had been contaminated.

The man entered the victim’s kitchen, but said he couldn’t help, leaving shortly afterwards.

The victim decided to speak to his neighbour about the situation so secured his property and then left.

As he walked to the end of the drive, he noticed a small black coloured hatchback and two men standing at the front of his property. The victim was then convinced to let the offender back into the property.

Whilst inside, the victim sees a second offender run into the house. He shouts and both men flee, getting into the vehicle seen earlier, driving off toward Long Melford.

The victim then discovered that an amount of cash had been stolen.

The first offender is described as a white man, 5’5” to six foot tall, had auburn coloured hair, aged between 25 to 35-years-old, clean shaven, and was wearing a light blue long-sleeved jumper and light coloured trousers.

The second offender and third offender were seen standing outside the front of the property. The second man is described as ‘younger’ in age than the first, of a slim build and was wearing light coloured clothing, and the third man described as ‘tall’ in height.

Police are encouraging friends, family and neighbours to spread the word to ensure everyone is aware of these types of distraction burglaries or bogus callers so that they do not become a victim.

If they witness any suspicious or unusual behaviour then immediately call police on 999.

A spokesman for Suffolk Police said: “People can take the following steps to guard against bogus callers:

“Think before you open the door, and keep all your doors and windows secure whilst you answer the front door.

“Consider displaying a ‘No Cold Calling sticker’ on your door. Please contact your local safer neighbourhood team for more information.

“Always ask for ID – take it from the caller through the letterbox and read it carefully, and do not admit anyone who you feel is not a genuine caller.

“Keep an eye on neighbours, friends and family - call 999 if you think a bogus caller is at your property.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident, recognises the offenders from the descriptions or has any information is asked to call PC Lucy Rout from Hadleigh on 101, quoting crime reference SU/15/2049.