THAME Police are appealing for information after a 61-year-old man was victim of a distraction burglary at his home in Thame on Monday, July 24.
At around 2.45pm the man, who was alone at the time, found a man in his bedroom after he had entered through the insecure front door.
When challenged, the man claimed to be mending a water leak and went through to the kitchen where he took items out from under the sink and asked the victim to run the taps.
He then repeated this in the bathroom before leaving the house.
A witness reports seeing two men leaving the house and the victim later discovered that a small sum of cash had been stolen.
PC Russell Hounslow, Area Beat Officer for Thame, said: ?Once again cowardly distraction burglars have targeted someone in their own home and have left the victim extremely shaken by what has happened.
?I now need the help of the public in both supplying any information that could help us catch those responsible and also to spread the crime prevention advice that can help to stop these type of offences.
?If you saw any suspicious people or vehicles in the area, particularly if you were cold-called by someone, then I need you to get in touch.
?I must ask everyone in Thame to make sure that they ensure that their friends, family and neighbours, particularly if they are vulnerable, are made aware of the risks that distraction burglars pose.
?They will use any number of excuses to con their way into your home in the search for quick cash or valuables and they may even show identification.
?Quite simply, the advice is never to let anyone into your home if they call unexpectedly, even if they claim to be from a utility company.
?Fit and use a door-chain, every time someone calls, and make people wait outside with the door secured while you check with the company they claim to be from, if they are genuine they will understand.
?If you have any suspicions that you may have been a victim or even approached by someone who you feel may have had more sinister intentions then you must contact police promptly via 999 to give us the best opportunity to catch them before they leave the area.?
Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Hounslow via the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505.
If you have information but do not want to speak to police or leave your name you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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