Elderly residents targeted in distraction burglary in Lavenham

Police are appealing for witnesses following a distraction burglary in Lavenham.

It happened at a property on Sudbury Road yesterday (Wednesday 16 January) at about 4.50pm.

A male rang the doorbell of the bungalow where two elderly residents live, and then he entered the property without being invited. He then proceeded to claim he was a police officer, demanding money from the female resident before he went into the bedroom of a bed-bound elderly male. The female occupant then went to phone a relative and the suspect has left. Nothing was stolen and no force used and no-one was hurt

If someone calls claiming to be a police officer, ask for their identification number and police force. Hang up and call 101 using a different phone. A genuine police officer will not mind waiting while you check.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has reported a similar incident recently should contact Bury St Edmunds CID on 101, quoting crime reference 37/3158/19.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org

The force’s crime prevention initiative, known as 1st Principle, which highlights that simple, inexpensive measures can easily be undertaken by anyone in the community. Further tips and guidance on how to deal with cold callers or rogue traders can be found here https://www.suffolk.police.uk/sites/suffolk/files/coldcallers.pdf