Police appeal for information after distraction burglar targets elderly man (From The Advertiser Series)
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Police appeal for information after distraction burglar targets elderly man
4:20pm Friday 7th September 2012 in News
By Vicki Henderson, Darlington reporter
POLICE are seeking information after a woman stole money from an elderly man during a distraction burglary.
The woman visited the 84-year-old man's home in Havelock Street, in the North Road area of Darlington, on Tuesday between 6pm and 7pm and talked her way into the house.
The man was distracted when the woman asked him to go into the kitchen and make her a cup of tea and while he was out of the living room, the woman stole a small amount of cash from the top of a table then made her excuses and left the flat Acting Detective Sergeant Steve Smyth said: "The victim was understandably upset that having been so trusting, this woman took advantage of his generosity. He called it 'disgusting', a sentiment I fully share.
The woman is described as white and in her 30s, of medium build and beween 5'4'' and 5'8'' tall, with collar length dark coloured hair and a three-quarter length jacket.
Police believe the suspect targeted the victim because of his age and frailty.
Anyone with information about the incident or the woman involved is asked to call the non-emergency number 101, and ask for Acting Det Sgt Smyth, of Darlington Serious Crime Team.
