Beware neighbourhood watch con (From Bournemouth Echo)

Beware neighbourhood watch con

5:00pm Monday 14th January 2013 in News

AN 87-year-old man had his wallet stolen by a distraction burglar pretending to be a member of a neighbourhood watch group, police have said.

A force spokesman said the man was at his home in Grosvenor Road in Westbourne when a man entered on the pretence that he was a co-ordinator from the man’s local group in Bournemouth.

But the pensioner’s wallet was stolen with cash and bank cards inside.

The spokesman said the burglary happened at 7.30pm on Thursday, January 3.

She said: “An 87-year old gentleman was the victim of an alleged distraction burglary where he was approached by a man saying he was from the neighbourhood watch.

“The elderly gentleman invited the man in but his wallet was stolen.”

Inspector Richard Dixey wants to warn residents to use a door chain and ask for ID when people visit, and to call 999 if they feel scared or threatened.

Following the burglary in Westbourne a 60-year-old man from Poole has been arrested and charged with burglary from a dwelling with intent to steal.