Thames Valley Police is appealing for information following a distraction burglary in Woodley

At around 2pm on Tuesday (19/3) the victim, an 80-year-old man, answered his front door to three offenders in Shackleton Way. The offenders entered the property claiming to be checking seals around the windows.

One of the offenders entered the bedroom and later claimed to have repaired the window seal. The victim was asked to make a donation and entered his PIN number into a machine a number of times, without his bank card, before being told that the payment had been processed.

After the offenders had left, the victim discovered that a bank card had been taken from his coat in the bedroom. On contacting the bank, the victim was advised that a number of cashpoint transactions had been attempted using his card but were unsuccessful.

The first offender is described as a white man, around 50 years-old, approximately 5ft 9ins with stocky build and short dark hair. He was wearing thick dark clothes to keep warm.

The second offender is described as white man, aged between 30 and 40-years-old, around 5ft 9ins, clean shaven with slim build and brown hair. He was wearing dark trousers with a short sleeve top.

The third offender is described as a white man, approximately 50-years-old with stocky build and dark hair. He looked similar in appearance to the first offender and was also wearing thick dark clothes to keep warm.

Case investigator, Tina Neale from the Investigation Hub at Loddon Valley police station, said: “I would like to appeal for anyone who may have witnessed this incident, or can provide further information about the offenders, to come forward.

“You can help to protect your elderly or vulnerable family, friends and neighbours by making them aware of this form of distraction burglary.

“You can reduce the risk of becoming a victim as follows:
• Don’t open the door if you are not sure who is calling.
• Check the identity of the caller by calling the company they are claiming to be from and use the telephone numbers listed in your local directory – don’t use any telephone numbers provided by the caller.
• Don’t let them into your home until you are satisfied they are who they claim to be.
• If you are suspicious call the police on 101.

“Anyone with information should report the details on the Thames Valley Police website quoting reference 43190084257. Alternatively, you can call the non-emergency telephone number, 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”