Romford, Essex: Thieves trick their way into Pensioners home

A ruthless thief tricked a frail widowed pensioner into letting him into her house and distracting her whilst his accomplice rifled through her home, stealing cash, jewellery and bank details.

The incident happened on the morning of 26th November, in Cherrydown Walk, Romford, Essex.  The 76 year old victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, answered a knock on her door from a man claiming to be a workman removing a tree from a neighbouring garden and needed access via the victim's back garden. 

After allowing the man into her garden, he engaged her in conversation for more than 10 minutes while his partner ransacked the victim's belongings.   A few minutes after the man left, the victim was shaken to find her bedroom, dining room and cupboards had been turned upside down and her property had been stolen.

The thief is described as a polite and well spoken 5'9" male in his mid 30's, slim with short dark wavy hair and was wearing a dark blue padded jacket.  His accomplice wasn't seen but the victim stated he had extremely foul, lingering body odour.

Neighbours of the victim said they had earlier seen two men in a pick-up truck parked in the road nearby.  A spokesperson for the victim is warning people, especially the elderly and those on their own, to be on their guard and NOT let anyone into their home without identification if they don't know them.  Genuine employees for utility companies are happy to stay outside until residents can verify that they are who they say they are.

Police investigating this crime are urging anyone with information to contact CID at Romford Police Station.