Police appeal for witnesses of burglaries

Elderly people, particularly those
who live alone are easy targets.

DETECTIVES in Dorset are once again appealing to the public for help after three burglaries against elderly victims in Broadstone and Wimborne.

The men used various ruses in talking their way into homes in Broadstone, Wimborne and Poole last Wednesday afternoon.

The first offender is described as a cacasian an in his early twenties standing approximately five foot five inches tall. He is said to have short dark hair, a round face and may speak with a distinctive accent.

The second offender is also white however no further description is available.

Police believe that several of the 13 current distraction burglaries investigations in Bournemouth may be linked.

Police are warning home owners and particularly the elderly to check their visitor’s identities, saying that genuine callers will not be offended by the precaution.

The most common ruse that distraction burglars use is to claim to be officials such as policemen or water board employees.

Detective Sergeant Billy Bulloch of Bournemouth and Poole CID said:

“I’d like to urge members of the public to look out for both their vulnerable relatives and neighbours. Anyone who has seen anything should contact the police immediately.”

The charity Help the Aged state that nearly two percent of homes where the head of the household was aged 75 or over were burgled during in 2004 and 2005.

Note : photo by Chalmers Butterfield