Elderly man robbed in distraction burglary

Two females knocked on his door in Magdalen Road on Sunday afternoon and told him they were distant family members.

The partially-sighted man welcomed them into his house but was unable to find out what branch of the family they were supposed to be from.

He was then duped into giving money by one of the visitors who said she needed it to get back home.

The victim has given Sussex Police a vague description of the suspects.

One woman is described as 50, short and heavily built while the other seemed to be much younger.

DC Roy Stephenson of the Rother District Burglary team said: "Offences of this nature are not common in this area. The distraction used is unusual and specific to the victim in question.

"Distraction burglary is a despicable offence preying on the vulnerability of the victim. The offence appears in many different guises, generally bogus officials, but in this instance indicating they were family members which is very personal. The doorstep is the key area to these type of offenders, never be afraid to ask for identification. A genuine caller will have ID and will be prepared to help answer any questions or wait whilst phone calls to verify his identity are made. A good rule to adhere to is - when in doubt keep them out".

Police are keen to hear from anyone who saw two females acting suspiciously in Magdalen Road, Manor Road or Sea Road on Sunday afternoon to contact them on 0845 60 70 999 quoting serial 212 of 29/03 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.