Published: September 28, 2007
Burnham-On-Sea police issue warning after distraction burglaries

Burnham-On-Sea police are warning local people to be on their guard after three burglaries in the Burnham and Highbridge area on Thursday (September 27th).

The first incident happened at around 12.30pm when an unknown man knocked on the door of a property in Stoneleigh Close, Burnham, telling the 83-year-old male victim he wanted to check his water was running correctly.

The man ushered the victim into the kitchen while a second man then entered the property.

After turning on the taps, both men then left empty handed. The first man was white, aged 25 to 30 years, 5ft 7ins tall with a medium build. He had dark hair and spoke loudly. The second man was also white.

The second incident is believed to have happened some time between 12 noon and 4pm, also in Stoneleigh Close, when an elderly woman returned home to find a door had been forced and her home burgled.

Cash, cheques, jewellery and a vacuum cleaner were stolen in the raid, with witnesses reporting two men seen at 2pm leaving the property and getting into a blue BMW car.

The third incident was at a cottage on the Old Pawlett Road in West Huntspill at 3pm when an unknown man entered the house of an 87-year-old man. The man tried to persuade the pensioner to come outside and look at his car, while a second man outside then shouted he was a police officer. A third man was also then sighted by the victim. Before the offenders left, a cheque book and around £150 was stolen.

In this case, the first man white, aged in his early 20s, 5ft 9ins tall with a round face and wearing a blue peaked cap and dark coloured coat. The second offender was also white, 40 years old and wearing a peaked cap with dark clothing. The third man was white, in his early 20s with dark hair.

Police would like to speak to anyone who may recognise the offenders or might have witnessed any of the incidents which are being linked.

Officers would also remind people to use the Stop, Chain and Check message and never let anyone into their home who they are not completely satisfied with.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.