Pensioner challenges thieves in Cobham (From Surrey Comet)

Pensioner challenges thieves in Cobham

10:38am Friday 10th February 2012 in Elmbridge By Louise Robertson

A woman in her 80s challenged thieves who targeted her and her husband in their home.

The elderly couple fell victim to a distraction burglary in Old Common Road, Cobham, on Monday, February 6, between 7pm and 7.30pm.

The husband, a man in his late 70s, answered the front door to a man claiming to work for a water company.

He told the pensioner that several neighbouring properties had reported problems with water pressure and asked if he could come in to check whether his water was flowing correctly.

He then followed the man in to the home and two other men entered the address and stole a wallet containing cash.

They left when they were challenged by the elderly woman at the property.

The first thief was a pale white man, about 30 years old, stocky, between 5ft 7in and 5ft 10in, and spoke with an Irish accent.

He was wearing a black jacket with the collar pulled up, a dark hat and gloves and the lower half of his face was covered by a scarf.

The other two were described as white men in their late teens or early 20s, slim, about 5ft 5in and wore dark clothing.

Detective Constable Ashley Mullem said: “This was a nasty offence which goes to show these people will try anything to trick their way into victims’ homes. They have deliberately targeted vulnerable members of society.

“The approach of pretending to work for a water company hasn’t been used in Elmbridge for a significant period of time so I would urge residents to be aware of this attempted method of entry as it is likely the offenders may try to use it again.”

He encouraged people to open the door with the chain on, to check identity cards carefully, and call the company to check if necessary. If in doubt, do not open the door.

Call Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference EL/12/846, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 with information.