Detectives Release Chilling 999 Call After Pensioner’s Tragic Death During Burglary
Detectives probing the death of 77-year-old Maureen Whale have released her distressing 999 call, made moments after burglars broke into her Barnet home last December. Maureen died shortly after the break-in at her Bells Hill residence on the evening of Tuesday, 4 December.
Death Linked to Stress of Burglary
A post-mortem revealed Maureen’s death was caused by coronary heart disease, triggered by the intense stress of the violent incident. The Met Police’s Homicide and Major Crime Command are treating the case as manslaughter. Following talks with Maureen’s family, detectives have now shared her 999 call and CCTV footage showing the suspects entering her home.
Family’s Heartfelt Plea
“Hearing the last phone call made by my aunt is extremely distressing but we hope that by releasing this to the public someone, somewhere will be moved to come forward,” said her niece, Gina. “Our aunt was fiercely independent and should have been safe in the home she had lived in all her life. No one deserves to die like this.”
Police Appeal for Help
Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh condemned the attack: “Maureen died for the few pounds in her purse. It is heartbreaking that a woman who once travelled the world met such a dreadful end in her own home for such a small amount of money.”
He urged anyone who recognises the suspects in CCTV footage or has information to come forward. “If you’re unsure about speaking to police, just listen to Maureen’s 999 call – imagine if it was your mum or nan. This is more than a burglary. It’s utterly wicked.”
Suspects and Witnesses Sought
- One man climbed over an outside gate wearing a black zip-through gilet, light-coloured long sleeves, and a dark woollen hat.
- A second wore a long-sleeved top with dark patches, a hood, dark trousers, and light trainers.
- A third acted as a look-out in a dark hooded jacket, baseball cap beneath the hood, light jogging bottoms, and dark trainers.
- Police also want to speak to the driver of a small four-door hatchback, possibly a Skoda Fabia, seen driving past the scene at 5:52pm.
The burglary is linked to two other break-ins on the same road that evening and a further incident on Sampson Avenue earlier that day. Officers recovered Maureen’s bag from a hedge near Ravenscroft Park.
£20,000 Reward Offered
Police are offering a £20,000 reward for information leading to arrests and prosecution. Anyone who saw suspicious activity or has information is urged to contact the Met Police immediately.
