Police are appealing for information following a distraction burglary in Cardiff which involved a pensioner being targeted by bogus police officers.
The incident happened at St Fagans Road, near the junction with Norbury Road, in Fairwater at around 8.30pm on Friday, April 4.
Three men aged in their early to mid-20s, attended at the address purporting to be police officers and forced their way into the first floor flat.
The 80-year-old woman and her 71-year-old daughter-in-law, who lives in a neighbouring property, were both bruised as result of the force used by the men and the younger woman also suffered a fractured hand.
Despite the brave and best attempts of the victim’s son to tackle the burglars, the men stole an empty safe (pictured) from the house and left in a grey or silver Audi in the general direction of Western Avenue.
Detectives are appealing for witnesses and are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen this car in the area before, after or at the time of the burglary.
It is believed the car travelled at speed along Western Avenue where it overtook a car and went through a red light at the junction with Cardiff Road in the direction of the Gabalfa Interchange.
It was also seen earlier that day in the Rumney St Mellons area travelling along Greenway Road.
Detective Sergeant Daniel Sweeney said: “This was an extremely frightening incident for the victims and a full investigation is continuing to identify those responsible.
“Although house to house enquiries are being done we are keen to speak with anyone who has been in the area recently, particularly on Friday evening, and noticed any suspicious behaviour.”
The suspects are described as follows:
- Male one is described as slim to athletic build, wearing gloves and a beige/light coloured jacket.
- Male two is described white, slim, with fair/light ginger hair, and wearing a dark coloured baseball cap, a black or navy jacket, and denim jeans.
- Male three is described as white, slim, with an Irish accent and was wearing a dark coloured baseball cap, a black zipped jacket and blue denim jeans.
A police spokesman said: “Incidents like this are rare but we would remind residents to remain vigilant and always ask for identification for anyone who purports to be from the police or utility company. If they cannot produce formal identification then keep them out.
“A genuine police officer would not mind waiting while the homeowner checked with the South Wales Police switchboard on 101 to confirm identities.”
Anyone with information on this distraction burglary is asked to contact Fairwater CID on 02920 527 248, South Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting occurrence number 1400114572.
