Appeal following distraction burglary targeting elderly man in Long Sutton

Appeal following distraction burglary targeting elderly man in Long Sutton

We are appealing for information after an elderly man was targeted in a distraction burglary in Long Sutton.

At around 8.30pm on Tuesday 11 August, an 89-year-old man was at his home on Dick Turpin Way when an unknown woman entered through the rear door and claimed she was a carer checking on his welfare because of the recent hot weather.

The woman persuaded him to take a shower and offered to wash his hair. While the victim's eyes were closed, it is believed she stole his wallet from the bathroom, taking £125 in cash before leaving the property. The wallet was later found discarded inside the house.

Detectives believe the suspect may have carried out similar offences and are keen to hear from anyone who may have had a similar experience or who saw anything suspicious in the area that evening.

We are particularly interested in hearing from residents on Dick Turpin Way and surrounding streets who may have doorbell, CCTV or dashcam footage from between 8pm and 9pm on Tuesday 11 August.

If you saw a woman acting suspiciously, knocking on doors claiming to be a carer, or have any information that could assist our investigation, please get in touch.

You can contact Lincolnshire Police via our website, by emailing matt.wharton@lincs.police.uk  quoting incident 555 of 12 August or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

We would also remind residents that genuine carers and healthcare professionals should carry identification, and appointments should be arranged in advance. If you are ever unsure about someone at your door, do not let them in and contact a trusted friend, family member, or the relevant organisation to verify their identity.

We are also urging people to check in on elderly relatives, neighbours and other vulnerable members of their community who may be at greater risk of becoming victims of this type of crime. A simple conversation about doorstep safety and the importance of verifying someone's identity could help prevent someone else from becoming a victim.