Elderly residents targeted as bogus call robberies increase

Photograph: Metropolitan Police

Elderly people in Hackney have been targeted in a spate of distraction burglaries in the last two months.

Hackney police are urging residents to be vigilant following a marked increase in reports of bogus callers, particularly in the N4 and N16 areas.

The perpetrators call on older men and women, saying they are looking for leaking pipes in the property upstairs.

They then distract the victims by taking them into the kitchen, at which point an accomplice enters the property to search for and thieve valuables.

The most recent incident occurred last Friday 21 August in Ravensdale Road, Stamford Hill.

The larcenist called on the residence of an elderly male, saying that there was a water tank leak on the roof and that he needed to access the property to access damages. He entered the property and started to check the water pressure.

Growing suspicious, the victim asked to speak with the caller’s boss. He then noticed his bedroom door was closed and, upon opening it, found a second man riffling through his belongings.

Both suspects ran from the property, taking with them £60 in cash and some paperwork.

“Criminals will often see older people as easy targets, particularly with scams where they can be repeatedly targeted,” said Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK.

“We would urge any older person who has been the victim of a crime or who is worried they might be – scam or otherwise – to speak to the police, a family member or friend.”

Ms Abrahams said criminals who target vulnerable older people are “calculating thieves” who can be “very convincing.”

The police suspect three white males, believed to be driving a white coloured saloon vehicle.

Detective inspector Martin Sloan at Hackney’s criminal investigation department said: “I would like to remind residents, especially the elderly, to always ask for identification before letting people into their homes.”

Police are asking anyone with information to contact Detectives from Hackney’s Serious Acquisitive Crime Unit on 0207 275 3114, quoting reference: 4620948/15. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111