Police in Cardiff are investigating two distraction burglaries which happened in the Whitchurch and Birchgrove areas of the city on Saturday, May 28.
It is believed the same people are responsible for the burglaries as they happened within around 10 minutes of each other.
The first happened in Pantbach Road at around 7pm when a slim clean-shaven man wearing a white shirt called at the home of a 93-year-old woman claiming to be working at a nearby house requesting to check her water supply.
She became suspicious after being asked to flush her toilet a number of times and telephoned a relative but the man left her home having stolen jewellery, cutlery and her purse.
He is described as being aged in his mid 20s , around 5ft 5ins to 5ft 6ins tall, and had an accent which was not Welsh.
Around 10 minutes later a second incident took place in nearby Clas Illtyd, Whitchurch, where this time two men claimed to be collecting money for window cleaning.
They followed the 83-year-old male occupier into his house then left in a dark car described as “expensive-looking and low”. The victim later discovered his wallet had been stolen.
Officers found his wallet, which had been emptied of cash, discarded near the junction of College Road and Heol Gabriel. Both men are described as white, in their 20s and wearing dark clothing. One was around 6ft tall, the other shorter around 5ft 6in to 5ft 8in tall.
Detective Sergeant Chris Cullen from Cardiff CID said: “We wanted to advise people of these incidents as soon as possible in case these men call at any other properties in the area.
“We believe they are connected because of the proximity of the incidents in time and location.
“I would appeal to anyone with information about these men, the car they were driving, or any other suspicious incidents in this area which may to be relevant to come forward. The smallest piece of information may be of vital importance to the investigation.”
Police are advising residents to follow the Police Doorstep Code and not allow any strangers into their homes.
Distraction burglars use a variety of tactics to deceive the victim to get into their home to steal valuables. They often claim to be from the water board, electricity company, local council or other organisations and they will try to pressurise or confuse the person who answers the door.
When a stranger calls at your door, follow the Police Doorstep Code:
- When someone unexpectedly calls at your door, take a look out of the window. If you do not recognise them, don’t open your door to them.
- Make sure both your front and back doors are locked.
- If you do not have a card, ask them to post their details through your door but do not open your door.
- If you don’t know them, ask them to leave.
- If the person refuses to go away, ring South Wales Police immediately on 101 and report it to them. Try to provide a description of the person, vehicle or anything else suspicious.
- Talk to your family and friends about this caller and consider talking to your neighbours about any suspicious activity just in case the same scam is tried on them.
DS Cullen added : “We would encourage residents, especially the elderly, to be suspicious of callers and to be aware of doorstep crime.
“I would also appeal to members of the community to look out for the more vulnerable members of society to ensure they are safe in their homes.”
Anyone with information on these incidents should contact Fairwater CID on 029 2052 8013 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
