An e-fit image of a man suspected of taking part in a so-called ‘distraction burglary at the home of a 90-year-old woman home in Bethnal Green has been released by police.
He was one of three men who pretended to be plumbers but attempted stole a new jumper from her bedroom, worth £35.
Police are asking the public for help in tracking them down and have warned elderly householders to be cautious about strangers calling and offering services.
All three were identified as white males. The man shown in the e-fit, image is approximately 35-years old and of large build. He was wearing a grey jumper and trousers.
The Metropolitan Police said in a statement: “The burglars drove past the woman in the street, turned the car round and followed her, then parked and walked through a buzzer-controlled gate behind her.”
One suspect approached the victim as she was entering her home, claiming he was a plumber investigating a water leak in the block and needed to go inside her property. He then sprayed water on the floor and ceiling to make it appear there had been a leak. As he distracted the victim, one of the other males entered her property and ransacked her bedroom.
The victim only realised she was being burgled when a man she had never seen before suddenly came out of her bedroom.
The three were driving a dark blue Fiat Bravo, believed to be carrying false number plates. Detectives believe all the suspects to have links to the areas of Essex and Hertfordshire.
Detective Constable Kate Osborne, who is leading the investigation, said: “I would urge the public to take a look at this image to see if they recognise the man. Although the victim was physically unharmed, she has been left very shaken by the actions of the men who opportunistically followed her into her home after spotting her in the street.”
“I would encourage anyone who recognises the man in the E-fit image – or anyone who has information about the three suspects or the vehicle they were using – to contact us immediately.”
Anyone who has information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD 982/01MAR21. Or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.
