Warning after bogus callers target Lewes and Newhaven homes

Police are warning people to be cautious after reports of bogus callers targeting homes in Lewes and Newhaven.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th May 2016, 15:50 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 22:59 BST

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The suspects are believed to be two white men, both of whom wore blue or dark clothing SUS-160520-143220001The suspects are believed to be two white men, both of whom wore blue or dark clothing SUS-160520-143220001
The suspects are believed to be two white men, both of whom wore blue or dark clothing SUS-160520-143220001

Officers received reports of three incidents on Monday (May 16), in Fort Road, Newhaven, in Winterbourne Road in Lewes and in Manor Road, Burgess Hill.

Police say the suspects are believed to be two white men, both of whom wore blue or dark clothing.

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One is described as being in his early 30s, between 5ft 10in and 5ft 11in tall, slight with short light brown hair. The other suspect is described as being in his mid 40s, 5ft 9in, stocky with short greying hair.

DC Richie Davison, of the East Sussex Priority Crime Team, said: “Our advice to anyone finding a stranger at their door is not to let them in, no matter what they say or unless you are absolutely sure they are genuine.

“Reputable callers will be prepared to provide identification and to wait outside for this to be checked over the telephone with the company or organisation they claim to represent.

“If at all concerned or suspicious, residents should call police immediately by dialling 999.”

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Nothing is believed to have been stolen in the Lewes and Newhaven incidents, despite the intrusion.

Police have stepped up patrols in the area and conducted house-to-house enquiries since the incidents took place.

In the Burgess Hill incident the men told a resident they were working on an emergency at a neighbour’s house and they needed to check her water pressure.

While one man stayed with the resident running taps in the kitchen, the other said he would go back to the neighbour’s house. Police say he then searched the property and stole foreign currency from a bedroom.

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Detective Constable Heidi McCall, of the Horsham Priority Cream Team, said: “It’s typical of the sort of cover story and manner of carrying out the crime that these distraction burglars employ.”

Anyone recognising the e-fits or descriptions of the suspects, or who may have had them call at their own homes, is asked to email police at [email protected] or phone 101, quoting Operation Inroad.

Alternatively they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 (www.crimestoppers-uk.org).

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Related topics:PoliceNewhaven