Bingo posters warn OAPs about crooks (From This is Hampshire)

Bingo posters warn OAPs about crooks

10:57am Thursday 29th March 2007 in

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CINEMA-GOING senior citizens were given advice to prevent them and their neighbours from falling victim to distraction burglars following a recent spate of crimes.

The latest victim was a 92-year-old Basingstoke woman who was robbed of £600 by a villain claiming to be a water company worker.

As part of Hampshire Constabulary's Burglary Bingo campaign, officers are raising awareness of the dangers by attending the regular senior screen events at Odeon cinemas across the county.

Posters with a bingo theme, and leaflets, have been distributed at bingo halls, libraries, doctor's surgeries, community groups and dial-a-ride buses throughout the county.

Lynne Lawson, crime prevention officer for Basingstoke, said: "All we can do is keep reminding people to follow the advice we give and to check for identification and then check the cards with the relevant companies. And if there is any doubt, don't let them in."

"Stop Check Chain" is the message police are promoting to encourage elderly residents to check the identity of any unexpected visitors who call at their doors and, even if they show identification, to check with the relevant company.

The 92-year-old woman fell victim at about 5pm last Friday, when a man knocked on her front door in Shooters Way, South View, Basingstoke.

He claimed he was from a water company and forced his way in, pushing her into her kitchen.

He was working with several other criminals who then made a search of the house.

When they left, the victim noticed that between £600 and £700 in cash was missing.

The offenders are thought to have fled towards Deanes Close.

Police believe that the suspects may have been using a sporty, dark-coloured Volkswagen Golf hatchback car.

One of the men the police want to speak to is described as white, in his 30s, 5ft 8in and well-built. He has short hair, spoke with a local accent and was wearing dark brown corduroy trousers and a matching dark brown jacket.

Anyone with any information should contact Pc Jonathan Swift, at Basingstoke Priority Crime Unit, on 0845 045 4545.

For more information, visit www.hampshire.police.uk