Gwent Police is appealing for information and issuing advice following a distraction burglary in Newport on Sunday 24th January.
At approximately 12 noon a man, purporting to be a window cleaner, called at a house on Drinkwater Close offering to clean inside and outside windows. When the man had left the resident discovered their purse had been stolen.
The male is described as white, approximately 30-40 years old, with dark hair. He was wearing dark bottoms and a dark jacket.
Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to call Gwent Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Officers are also issuing 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.
