Police in Nelson are appealing for residents to be vigilant of callers they don’t recognise after a local woman in her fifties had her purse stolen.
The lady was visited by a man at her address in Llyn Yr Eos on Monday (March 1st, 2010) at approximately 3pm and asked for change of a £20 note. When the resident asked the male to reach for her purse she thought he had put the money inside and only discovered earlier yesterday (Tuesday March 2nd, 2010) that he must have stolen the purse. It contained a small amount of cash and some bank cards.
The male is described as white, in his mid thirties, approximately five feet six inches tall, slightly overweight. He had a local accent and he spoke with a lisp. He was wearing dark clothing and a black beanie hat. If anyone has any information they are asked to call Gwent Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Gwent Police would like to take this opportunity to issue the following advice
When a stranger calls at your door, follow the Gwent 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. If in doubt – keep them out
- Make sure both your front and back doors are locked.
- 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 they claim to be from a utility company, ask them to call back when a relative or friend will be there with you.
- If the person refuses to go away, ring Gwent Police immediately on 999 and report it to them. Try to provide a description of the person, vehicle or anything else that seems 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.
