Bogus ‘gasman’ steals £1,000 from woman’s home

Photograph: Metropolitan Police

A bogus ‘gasman’ has stolen more than £1,000 from an elderly woman in her Stoke Newington home.

The man visited the woman at her Durley Road home at around 11:30am on Tuesday 8 December, and told her needed to check her boiler.

The woman, in her late 80s, allowed the man in and only later discovered that £1,155 in cash had been stolen.

The police have described the perpetrator as a white man, around 30 years old and 6ft 2 inches tall, who was wearing black clothing at the time of the crime.

The woman said she saw another man knocking on her neighbour’s door around 20 minutes before the incident.

Police say the second man is white, was wearing black clothing and is around 40 years old and 6ft tall.

No arrests have been made and police are continuing with enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to call Hackney CID on 101, quoting reference: 4631100/15 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If approached by bogus callers police advise you to:

Use the chain and spy hole or look out of the window to see if the caller is recognisable.

Ask callers for proof of identity, which should be carried by genuine tradesmen, and contact the company if unsure of the documentation. Alternatively ask the caller to return at a later time when a friend or relative can be present.

Be cautious of callers who claim that they have seen something untoward in around your home which may prompt you to leave your house – they could have an accomplice awaiting this distraction.

Treat every stranger with caution. If you are worried, call 999 immediately and ask for the police.