Warning as distraction burglars target Hungerford

POLICE have appealed to residents in Hungerford to be extra vigilant following a number of recent distraction burglaries.

Offenders have been knocking on doors and asking to check the back garden to look for a lost ball, examine a damaged window or trying gain access on some other false pretext.

When householders allow them to enter, one of the men checks the back garden while the other searches the bedrooms upstairs to steal jewellery and other valuables.

The offenders are targeting elderly residents in particular.

Det Con Snezhanna Lennon of Force CID at Newbury said: "Please be vigilant when unknown people knock at your door, regardless what reasons they give. Please keep your property safe and secure at all times.

"Further tips advice can be found on the Thames Valley Police website on the ‘how to protect yourself from unexpected callers’ page.”

She added: "Please rest assured that we are working hard on detection and prevention of crime and putting all efforts into bringing the offenders to justice.

“Even the smallest piece of information can become a key point in criminal investigation."

If you witnessed anything suspiciour or you have any information about the incidents, call the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101 quoting URN 1496 of 21/5.

Alternatively the independent Crimestoppers charity can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.