Maidenhead & Windsor

Police are warning elderly residents to be on their guard after an attempted distraction burglary in Windsor.

At about 1.45pm on Friday (12/9), an elderly woman was at home in Perrycroft, Windsor when two men knocked at the door and asked to inspect her drains.

She went with them to an outside drain, which the men checked and said was blocked. The woman went inside to get her water company documents, closing the door behind her, but when she returned the men had gone.

The men look alike - as though they may be related. They are white, in their twenties, about 5ft 9ins, well built and tanned. They have dark, messy hair, were neatly dressed and spoke with southern English accents.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Det Con Kam Thandi of the Priority Crime Team in Maidenhead via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or give your name, please call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

The following advice has been issued to elderly Windsor residents:

• If you are suspicious of an unexpected caller, contact police immediately on 999, giving as much detail about the person as possible. It may be that the same caller has caused concern elsewhere.
• You should never open your door to a stranger. If someone comes to your door, use your intercom system or shout through the door to see who it is.
• If the person is not expected, do not open the door. Tell them to make an appointment. If they say there is an emergency, check with the police.
• If the person is expected, put the chain on and then check their identification. If you do not have a chain, ask for the identification to be put through the letterbox.
• Some offenders will not bother to trick their way in if they find an insecure window or door. Make sure all your windows and doors can be easily locked and are locked whenever you leave the room. Padlock your side gate. Make sure your house is secure if you go into the garden.
• If you need any work done in your home or garden it is advisable to contact Age Concern to ask for advice. You should check whether people are genuine before letting them carry out any work.
• Remember that the Water Board no longer exists. Genuine callers from gas, electricity and water companies will carry ID cards and are likely to have uniforms and marked vehicles.
• If you are worried about your security contact your local Crime Reduction Office via the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505.

Thames Valley Police ~ Windsor