Police seek bogus workmen who claimed to be fixing leaks in Strand-on-the-Green

An 86 year old woman's intuition most probably prevented her from becoming a victim of a distraction burglary.

The woman, who lives alone at Strand-on-the Green, was at home with a visiting friend on Saturday 24th February.

Around 21.30 she and her friend both answered a knock on her door to a man who claimed he was there to fix a leak in the kitchen.

Their suspicions aroused by the man's nervous demeanor, they asked him to repeat why he was there. The suspect began to explain that he had a van parked around the back of the ground floor flat and he was there to fix a leak when the two women saw two further young males walking away.

The suspect called out to them to ask them to help him explain why they were there to which he received the response "Sorry the problem is in the next road." All three men then left the scene.

The suspect, who knocked on the door, was described as a white male aged around 25 years, 5'10" slim built with short reddish blonde hair and wearing a dark brown coloured jacket (possibly with a zip up the front).

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or saw a man answering this description in the area is asked to call 020 8577 1212.

Please forward this article to anyone who you believe could help Police with their enquiries.

March 8, 2007