Distraction burglary in West Moors

Dorset Police say at around 10am on Friday (January 29) the victim received a phone call from a man claiming to work for a new company that dealt with radiators.

The victim said that her radiators needed bleeding at her address in Teasel Way.

Between midday and 3pm that day, two men attended her home address wearing high-visibility jackets and carrying clipboards.

They looked at all the radiators, before one of the men asked to look at any external pipes. The victim and one of the men then went outside.

The two men left and said they would be back later that day to finish the work, but never returned.

The victim subsequently noticed her purse had been stolen.

Detective Sergeant Karen Penn, of Dorset Police’s Priority Crime Team, said: “I am appealing to anyone who was in the area on Friday afternoon and saw two men wearing high-visibility jackets to please get in touch.

“I would urge residents to check their home CCTV systems for any footage of the men in the area or any vehicles seen acting suspiciously around the relevant time.

“Finally, I would like to remind people not to accept work from cold callers, whether this is over the phone or in person. Representatives from utility companies, local authorities or the police will always happily show their identification.

“For more crime prevention advice, please visit https://www.dorset.police.uk/help-advice-crime-prevention/home-property/protect-your-home/doorstep-crime/”

Anyone with information call Dorset Police on 101.