Distraction burglars at Chichester, Worthing

At approximately 6pm on Wednesday February 27, a 95-year-old woman answered the door to two white men claiming to be plumbers fixing a leak to a neighbouring property.

The elderly occupant allowed the men into her home, one of whom distracted her by asking her to turn taps on in the kitchen while the other man is believed to have searched her home and stolen property.

The elderly victim was shaken but unhurt from this ordeal and reported the matter to police.

The men are described as: one in his 20s, 5ft 10, slim with a blue jacket and jeans; the other was older - 30s to 40s, balding and thickset.

DS Colin O'Hare, of Worthing CID, said: "This type of crime is sadly becoming more and more common. The people are approaching the elderly and, in some cases, are stealing what little belongings they have. Their actions are despicable and we will do all we can to bring people like this to justice."

This burglary is believed linked to a very similar burglary that occurred about 5pm the same day in Spitalfield Lane, Chichester, where the offenders said there was a problem with the water and stole money.

Anyone who can assist police with this matter or offer information as to who these men are, is urged to call Worthing CID on 0845 60 70 999 quoting serial 1312 27/2/8 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.