Police are warning residents to be vigilant and to check the identification of all cold-callers following a reported burglary in Hythe.
A man is reported to have visited the home of an elderly woman in Shepherd’s Walk, Hythe, some time between 13 and 20 June 2015 and offered to trim a fir tree in her garden for £40.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Rob Goodban said: ‘She agreed to this, albeit reluctantly. He then told her the tree was dying and needed removing completely, which he said he would do for another £260. Again, she reluctantly agreed, and he cut the tree down.
‘After he had carried out the work we believe he followed her into her home and while she was writing him a cheque stole around £30 in cash from her purse.’
The man was wearing a high-visibility jacket and was driving a van. He also had a Newcastle accent. He was carrying what police believe was a fake identity card.
Detective Constable Goodban said: ‘Unfortunately we have no further description of the man so are particularly keen to hear from anyone else in the area who was also approached by him offering to carry out work.’
He reminded people to always check the identification of callers to their home before they agreed to any work.
‘No legitimate salesman or caller at your door should ever mind doing this. If you have further concerns about the validity of the identification, call the company or organisation the person says they are from,’ he said.
‘The advice is, never let anyone into your home unless you are confident they are who they say they are.’
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Kent Police on 01843 222289 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting reference ZY/18978/15
Elderly Hythe residents warned about burglary’s
Police are warning residents to be vigilant and to check the identification of all cold-callers following a reported burglary in Hythe. A man is reported to have visited the home of an elderly woman in Shepherd’s Walk, Hythe, some time between 13 and 20 June 2015 and offered to trim a fir tree in her…