Fake Water Worker Pinches £5,000 from Elderly Victim
Police are hunting a sneaky burglar who preyed on an elderly resident in Windsor Gardens last Saturday.
Caller Claims to Be from Northumbrian Water
Between 4.45pm and 6pm on 30th January, a man knocking on the door said he was from Northumbrian Water and needed to test the water. Described as a short bloke in his 40s-50s wearing blue overalls, he convinced the elderly resident to let him inside.
Quick Thinking Resident Snaps Pic, Sends Burglar Running
Sensing something was off, the resident asked to see ID. The man claimed it was in his car outside. The resident then snapped a photo of the suspicious “worker,” forcing him to cover his face and scarper.
While the attention was on the fake worker, a second offender slipped in and made off with a whopping £5,000 in cash.
Police Appeal for Witnesses
Detectives shared the grainy photo of the man’s clothing hoping the public will spot him. Northumbria Police slammed the crime as “cynical” and urged residents to stay wary of strangers at their door.
“This was a cynical crime which saw people prey on a vulnerable member of our community,” police said.
“Offenders often target the most vulnerable, especially those living alone, so please be vigilant.”
If you saw anything suspicious or have info, call 101 and quote reference 869 300121.
