Information on Loughborough

Appeal for witnesses to two incidents in the city

Posted on 20/08/2009

police,constabulary,leicestershire police Appeal for witnesses to two incidents in the city

Officers in the city are appealing for witnesses to two incidents which they believe could be linked.

The first incident, an attempted distraction burglary, happened in Woodland Road, Highfields, at around 1.45pm on Tuesday, August 18 when two suspects knocked on the elderly victim’s door asking her to open the side gate so they could deliver a parcel to her next door neighbour.

The victim became suspicious of the men and asked them to leave. They left towards Uppingham Road.

The first suspect is described as white, between 30 and 40-years-old and around 5’4” tall. He was wearing a baseball cap and a zipped up coat.

The second suspect is described as white, around 5’5” tall, clean shaven with light hair. Both men had Irish accents.

The second incident happened at around 2.15pm on the same day in Down Street, Belgrave when the elderly male victim answered his front door to two men who again asked him to open the side gate.

The victim let them into the garden, but became suspicious, so asked them to leave.

The first suspect is described as white, around 5’3” tall and between 30 and 35-years-old. He was of stocky build, clean shave and had a pale complexion. He was wearing a blue tracksuit.

There is no description of the second suspect.

Nothing was taken in either incident.

Detective Constable Denise Pritchard, who is investigating the incidents said: “We are looking into the possibility that these incidents may be linked.

“We would like to hear from anyone who lives in either of these areas and saw anyone anything suspiciously on Tuesday afternoon. It is possible that these men knocked on other residents doors before these incidents. If they approached you please get in touch.

“Distraction burglars, or bogus callers, will try to mislead you or distract your attention to get into your home and steal your money or valuables. Both of these victims did exactly the right thing in asking the suspects to leave when they became suspicious.”

Anyone with information about either incident should contact DC 4046 Denise Pritchard on 0116 222 2222 and follow the instructions to leave a message for an officer. When prompted, key in her identification number 4046. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

*Please note, some mobile phone providers may charge for this call.