Hampshire Constabulary

Officers investigating two distraction burglaries in New Milton and Lymington are warning residents to be wary of uninvited visitors.

At around 7.30am on Friday, November 18 an elderly man was in his flat in Waverley Road when a man entered through his patio door, which had been unlocked but closed.

The visitor said there was a fire in the building and advised the resident to gather valuables and his wallet and leave. The man went outside and realised his wallet had been taken, containing £90. There was no fire.

Between 8am and 8.30am the following day, Saturday, November 18, a man visited the home of a 91-year-old woman in St Thomas Street, Lymington, claiming to be a police officer.

He came into the property and spoke with the woman about recent burglaries in the area, advising her to keep her doors and windows closed. After he left the woman saw that her purse and bank cards had been taken from her handbag, and £300 was later taken from her bank account.

Officers investigating these incidents believe they were carried out by the same person. The man is described as:

• White
• Round face
• Plump’ build
• 5ft 4ins tall
• Aged around 50
• Wearing a long, dark, heavy coat which fell below the knee

Detective Constable Lisa Poole said, “Distraction burglaries are rare in these areas and we are carrying out extensive enquiries to identify the man responsible for targeting two elderly people.

“We are also reminding local residents to ensure their properties are left secure at all times, and to remember that you have the right to refuse entry to any uninvited visitors. Always ask for identification, and if you are still unsure you can call the police.”