Bogus Christmas card sellers prey on Redhill pensioner (From Redhill And Reigate Life)
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Bogus Christmas card sellers prey on Redhill pensioner
11:32am Friday 19th October 2012 in Local News
Two conmen pretending to be selling Christmas cards tricked their way into an 87-year-old woman's home in Redhill and stole cash.
The pair, who called at the pensioner's home in Wood Street on Tuesday (October 16), stole £50.
The incident has prompted another warning from the Force for people, especially the vulnerable and elderly, to be on their guard against doorstep callers.
A Surrey Police spokeswoman said the bogus card sellers called at the pensioner's home between 10am and noon.
Both were white men – one aged in his late 20s, with short blonde hair, who was of slim to medium build and around 5ft 9in tall, while the other was aged in his early 30s, had dark hair, was of stocky build and was around 5ft 7in to 5ft 8in tall.
The blonde haired man was wearing a dark jacket and dark trousers and was carrying a shoulder bag. His accomplice was wearing a dark navy blue waterproof coat and was also carrying a bag. Investigating officer Detective Constable Kerry Akehurst of Reigate CID, said: "I would appeal to anyone who saw the men in the area around the time of the incident, and who can provide officers with information, to contact us.” Det Con Akehurst said: “I would urge anyone who is approached by these men to not let them into your property but to call 999 immediately, as we need to find them and prevent further incidents like this.” Specialist officers from the Reigate and Banstead Safer Neighbourhood Team have carried out house-to-house enquiries and reassurance visits in the area. Anyone with information on the incident and who has not yet spoken with officers is urged to contact Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference RB/12/8457, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. For information about how to keep yourself and others safe, visit the Surrey Police website at: www.surrey.police.uk.
