The police are appealing for witnesses after an attempted distraction burglary in Totterdown.
The victim, a woman in her 80s, answered a knock at the door of her home in County Street at about 2.45pm on Saturday (15th December).
A man, dressed in work boots and high vis jacket/trousers, claimed he was there to repair a leaking roof.
The victim let him in and the offender then let in a second man. Both men looked around the property and asked the victim for £250 for a de-humidifier. She didn’t hand over any money and they left the property empty-handed.
They were described as white, 5ft 9ins and 5ft 11ins, both aged between 40 and 50 and of medium build.
If you saw these men in the Totterdown area, or if they also called at your property, please call us the police on 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5218278025.
Doorstep crime prevention tips include:
• Never open the door to an unexpected caller until you’ve checked their identification – use a door chain or viewer. Genuine callers expect it
• If you’re not sure, don’t open the door
• If you are suspicious of a caller tell us straight away – ring 999 if you feel threatened or intimidated, otherwise call 101
• Keep your cash in the bank, not at home
• Keep windows and doors secured if you’re not in the room
• If you see someone calling door-to-door, but only on frail or elderly neighbours, call 999 straight away
• Join Neighbourhood Watch
• Nominate a neighbour to help you deal with unexpected callers
There’s more information on the police website, www.avonandsomerset.police.uk