Conman prowls estate

Conman prowls estate

Jun 1 2004
By Greg Truscott

South London Press

A CONMAN posing as a waterboard official tricked his way into the home of an elderly couple and stole their savings.

Detectives are hunting the bogus caller who left the pensioners with no cash to buy food or pay their utility bills for the rest of the month.

The thief wore a yellow workman's jacket when he called at the couple's Kennington home.

He produced a fake ID card with "Waterboard" printed on it and asked the pensioners to turn on their taps and flush the toilets.

But as the couple did so, he ransacked their home and stole their life savings.

Detective Sergeant Charlie Fleury warned people not to allow strangers into their homes - even if they appeared genuine - without an appointment.

The DS said: "The victims are still extremely distressed by this burglary.

"Not only have they been conned out of their savings they have also been left with the emotional fear of callers to their front door."

The distraction burglary took place between 4pm and 8pm on Friday, May 21, at Sangate House in Royal Street, North Lambeth.

Police believe the same conman - described as white, aged 40-55, with grey hair - is responsible for a string of burglaries on the estate on the same day.

Anybody with information should call Kennington police station on 020 8649 2436 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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