Police have launched an appeal after a woman walked into the Long Sutton home of an 89-year-old and pretended to be a carer to steal £125.
The incident happened at 8.30pm on Tuesday (August 11) on Dick Turpin Way.
Police say an unknown woman entered through the property through rear door and claimed she was a carer checking on his welfare because of the recent hot weather.
A spokesman said: “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 August 11.
“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.
“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.”
Contact Lincolnshire Police via the force’s website, by emailing [email protected] quoting incident 555 of 12 August or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
