Distraction burglary in Swanage sees elderly man lose £1,000

The cash had been taken from his home in Kings Road West

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 5th Jul 2024

An elderly man's had £1,000 stolen from his home during a distraction burglary in Swanage.

Three man in a white van called at the victim's address in Kings Road West at around 10.00am on Wednesday last week (26th June).

Two of the men asked if he wanted the grass cutting and he agreed to pay them £30.

As the victim went inside to get the cash, a man followed him and was given the money - while a second man also entered the property.

£1,000 was then discovered missing from a drawer in a downstairs room.

The men left the scene before the victim was able to challenge them.

The suspect believed to have taken the money is described as:

  • Aged in his 40s or 50s
  • Around five feet eight inches tall
  • Large build
  • Wearing a red top

PC Luke Taylor, of Purbeck police, said:

“This incident involved the targeting of a vulnerable elderly man and we are determined to do all we can to identify those involved.

“We are carrying out various enquiries and I would urge anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area around the relevant time, or who has any further information that might assist our investigation, to please come forward.

“I would also urge residents or motorists who were in the vicinity to check for any relevant home CCTV, doorbell camera or dashcam footage.”

If you can help Dorset Police with any information, you're asked to call them on 101, quoting reference number 55240096206.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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