Police investigating a distraction burglary at the home of an elderly female have released e-fits of the suspects.
The incident occurred in Romilly Road, Canton, on Wednesday, February 2.
The men – one described as scruffy and the other as smartly dressed – called at the woman’s home at around 1pm claiming to be carrying out repairs on a neighbour’s garden wall and requesting to check her back garden wall.
They entered the house and offered to carry out free repair work at a later date.
Soon after they left, the woman discovered that a significant amount of money had been stolen from her handbag.
Detective Sergeant Tudor Thomas said: “The victim feels she has been deliberately targeted and is very upset. She is also frustrated because she is normally extremely cautious about letting people into her home without identification. These two men have been extremely convincing in their approach but ultimately cruel and cowardly.
“The lady has recently been widowed and undergone a hip operation so this has had a devastating impact on her confidence. I would appeal for anyone with information on these two men to contact police immediately.”
The suspects are described as follows:
Scruffy male:
White, aged in his 30s, with dark hair, of medium build, clean shaven, and was wearing jeans and a jacket.
Smart male:
White, around 30 years of age, brown hair, of medium build, wearing dark smart clothes. He was carrying a clipboard or folder.
Officers flooded the area as soon as the incident was reported to search for the suspects, conduct house to house enquiries, carry out forensic examination and check CCTV. Enquiries are still on-going.
DS Thomas added: “I would appeal to anyone who might have seen these men, or has any other information, to contact us before they commit further crime.
“These offences are rare but I remind all residents of the importance of not letting strangers into their home, no matter how professional or friendly the callers appear to be.”
If you can help, please contact Fairwater CID on 02920 571 542 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
