Bogus Water Board Man in Robbery

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E-fit released of man who pushed elderly woman to ground

An appeal has been launched for help from the general public in identifying a man who police believe was involved in a distraction burglary and robbery in Hamilton Road, W4.

The incident took place at around 4.30pm on Monday 21st August 2006. Hamilton Road is just off Southfield Road.

An elderly lady, walking home, first spotted the man knocking on her neighbour’s front door and asked if she could help him. He told her he was from the water board, that he may have damaged the water pipes leading to the homes in the area, and that he needed to enter the premises to check her mains supply.

The 78-year old lady invited the man in. He turned the taps on, then asked her to check the water flow while he checked the taps upstairs. After a while, she grew suspicious but when challenged the man pushed her to the floor and ripped her handbag from around her neck. He then ran off.

The man the police would like to interview is white, aged between 20 and 25 with a stocky build and spiky hair. He was clean-shaven with an English accent. He was wearing a blue and cream stripy t-shirt and blue jeans.

Another attempted distraction burglary on an elderly lady occured in the vicinity at a terraced house on Cobbold Road W12 on Monday 16th October between 3.30pm and 4.00pm. A male knocked on the an 85 year old lady's door stating that he was a builder who was fitting a sink in the property next door and that he needed to turn the water off.

The victim told him to use the stopcock outside but the male stated that he needed to isolate the mains from inside. The victim walked into the house and was immediately followed by the suspect who asked the her to open the hallway cupboard under the stairs. She did as he requested, this blocked her view of the front door and a second suspect entered and searched the rooms upstairs without her knowledge.

The first suspect kept her occupied for a few minutes then thanked her and left. In the mean time the second suspect had also left the house. The lady thought nothing more of the matter until two days later when she went upstairs for the first time since the event and noticed that the doors to the rooms were open and things had been disturbed. At this stage the believes that no property was taken and she states that she doesn’t keep money in the house so it would appear that the suspects got away empty handed.

The first suspect is described as male, white, 5ft 9in tall, around 40 years old with short mousy coloured hair, clean-shaven. Any witnesses or information to the investigating officer TDC Miller at Hammersmith CID or the Crime Management Unit at Fulham Police Station on 020 8246 2814.

Avoiding Being a Victim of Distraction Burglary - advice from Ealing Borough Police

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for distraction burglary suspects to impersonate official visitors and figures of authority such as water board officials, police officers, council officials or charity / voluntary workers.

Throughout 2006 there have been 107 reported incidents of Distraction Burglary across Ealing Borough involving tricksters conning homeowners, usually the vulnerable or elderly, into allowing them into their homes.

Those concerned use various methods to gain entry and on occasions pose either as Water Board, Electricity Board, Gas Board Officials, Council workers, Police Officers, charity / voluntary workers or bogus builders.

- It is not necessary for the water board to enter your house when a water main has burst in your area, nor when there is a problem with the water in neighbouring properties.

- If you are approached by anyone asking to complete a task as above, contact Ealing Borough Police immediately.

Treat every stranger with caution.
If you are still worried, dial 999 immediately.

Police would encourage relatives, friends, neighbours and associates to make contact with the elderly and vulnerable to reiterate our crime preventative message below, which will help to combat this form of offence.

Ealing police are urging people to be extremely vigilant against this sort of crime. They would like to offer the following crime prevention advice to combat this form of offence.

• If someone comes to your door to try and sell you something, don’t invite him or her in. Even if you are interested in what they are selling, ask for a brochure or a business card. Say you need to speak to a partner/relative/friend before handing over cash on your doorstep.

• If someone offers to do repairs on your home, don’t be taken in. Ask a partner/relative/friend to recommend a builder to find out if you need the work done.

• Make sure official visitors (Gas, Water, Electricity, Council and Police Callers) are genuine by asking them to produce an identity card with their photo on it.

• Make sure they have an appointment. Call and check their identity with their office. Genuine workers will not mind waiting or coming back once you have had a chance to check who they are. Ask a partner/relative/friend to help if you don’t feel sure you can do all the security checks on your own.

• You have the right to keep them out of your home until you are satisfied they are who they say they are. Remember to keep the door on the chain while you get proof of who is there. If they cannot produce this then ask them to leave, if they refuse contact the police, using the 999 emergency system.

October 28, 2006