Police hunt man ‘from the council’ after Stoke Newington attempted distraction burglary

E-fit of suspect released in distraction burglary appeal. Image: Metropolitan Police

Detectives are appealing for help in identifying a man suspected of trying to trick his way into a woman’s home in Hackney.

At around 5pm on 6 January, the 72-year-old answered a knock at the door at her property on Burma Road, Stoke Newington.

The man told her he was from the council and needed to attend to a leak in the flat above.

When the woman refused to let him in, the man tried to force his way in and used his foot to try to prevent the door being closed on him.

The woman screamed and managed to push the man back far enough that she could shut him out.

Her neighbour above later confirmed that there was no leak.

Despite a police search of the area, the man could not be found.

Detective Constable Simona Vaigauskaite said: “This was an incredibly frightening incident for the elderly woman, made all the worse by the fact she had been the victim of a similar offence just a year prior in which a group of men gained access to her home under similar pretences and stole her property.

“While the incidents are not being treated as linked, we are keen to identify the man pictured.”

The woman described the man as white, around 5ft 6in tall, around 50 years old, of slim build and clean shaven.

The victim could not identify his accent, but said it was not English.

He was wearing a light brown/beige cap and jacket.

The police have released an E-FIT image of a man they want to trace.

They say that anyone with information that could help identify him should call 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting 5690/6 JAN.

To remain 100 per cent anonymous, those with information should contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Police advice

Protect yourself from distraction burglary, which is also known as ‘artifice burglary’ and is a crime where a person tricks the victim into allowing them into their property.

• Look through the spyhole first to check who’s calling.
• Keep the door on the chain first if you don’t recognise them.
• Demand to see ID or documents – a genuine caller will have these.
• If you’re still unsure, call the company the person claims to be working for and ask them to confirm their employment.
• Be aware that anyone claiming to be a police officer will be carrying a warrant card and can be confirmed by calling 101. Any genuine police officer would not mind you doing this, and would in fact encourage it.
• If you suspect a crime is being committed dial 999.