Pensioner Targeted by Conman in Lechlade

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The Cotswold Blog is a collection of diary entries, news, gossip and other Cotswold related information.

Pensioner Targeted by Conman in Lechlade

A conman posing as members of the water board has targeted the home of an 80-year-old man in Lechlade.

The incident happened at around 1.30pm yesterday (5/7/07) at the pensioner's home in Gassons Way.

The conman knocked on the pensioner's front door and told him he was there to check the water mains under his sink.

He was allowed in and left to check the mains under the sink in the back kitchen.

He then told the pensioner he had to check the drains outside and then left saying that everything was okay.

Shortly after the victim realised that a wooden bureau in his front room had been forced open and a wallet containing �200 in cash as well as some loose change had been stolen.

Paul Francis, Crime Reduction Officer for Gloucestershire Constabulary, said: "This is an unfortunate incident and at the time there had been some legitimate council workers in the area carrying out maintenance work which made this elderly man believe the conman was genuine.

"We would always advise people to ask for identification before allowing anybody into their home and check with the company they claim to represent that they are in the area carrying out work.

"If you are in any doubt then refuse entry and call 999."

The offender is described as white, in his mid 20s with short dark hair. He was wearing blue jeans and a fawn jacket. He spoke very quickly.

A second man was also seen going into the elderly man's house by a neighbour although there is no description of him at this time.

Anybody with any information that may assist police with their inquiries is asked to call Gloucestershire Constabulary on 0845 090 1234 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting incident 280 of July 5th.


Posted : 06/07/2007 09:45:31

PLEASE NOTE: This story has been archived and the information contained within it may no longer be correct.


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