Maidenhead & Windsor

Police are warning elderly residents to be on their guard against bogus callers after a distraction burglary in Maidenhead.

Two men managed to persuade an elderly woman living in Cannon Court Road, Furze Platt, Maidenhead to let them into her home at about 7.30pm on 11 April.

The men told the woman they needed to check under her kitchen sink before carrying out work on it the next day. While one man was looking under the sink, with the woman watching, the other went into her living room and stole cash from her purse.

The men are described as white and possibly Eastern European, and may ask for plumbing jobs.

Maidenhead PC Ross Fleming, investigating officer, said: “I would appeal to residents in East Berkshire to be extra vigilant, and if they see anyone behaving suspiciously, to call police straight away.”

PC Fleming can be contacted via the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you want to be anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Residents are reminded that the ‘Water Board’ no longer exists. Genuine callers from utility companies will carry ID cards and are likely to be wearing uniforms and travelling in marked vehicles.

Thames Valley Police offer the following advice to prevent distraction burglaries:

• Have a door chain or door bar, or if necessary, a spyhole, fitted. Remember, STOP, CHAIN, CHECK!

• Do not open the door if in doubt about the person outside. Always ask for identification and if necessary check them out by calling the company.

• Display a sign stating that you do not buy or sell items at the door.

• If someone tries to sell you something, politely refuse and close the door. Respectable companies will acknowledge this and leave.

• Above all, if you are suspicious of an unexpected caller, contact police immediately, giving as much detail about the person as possible. It may be that the same caller has caused concern elsewhere.

Thames Valley Police ~ Maidenhead