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Distraction burglars in double strike
DETECTIVES are appealing for information after callous crooks targeted two homes in a Basingstoke suburb.
Between noon and 12.45pm on Thursday, March 13, three men forced their way into the home of a 60-year-old woman in Tasmania Close, Popley, Basingstoke, after claiming they were there to check the boiler.
The thieves then took £60 in cash from her.
One of the men is believed to be in his 20s, another in his 30s and a third in his 50s.
All were wearing dark clothing, hats and gloves.
On the same day, an 85-year-old man was targeted in a similar distraction burglary.
The pensioner was in his home, in Falkland Court, Popley, when two men walked in at about 12.30pm and started turning on the taps in the kitchen.
One of the men then took a significant amount of cash from the elderly man's wallet.
The other man carried out a search of the flat and stole more cash from a chest of drawers.
The first man is described as white, in his late 20s, about 6ft and wearing a suit.
The second man is described as white, also in his late 20s, and was wearing blue jeans.
Detective Constable Tim Chappell, of the priority crime team at Basingstoke CID, said both incidents are being linked and urged residents to be on their guard if people they don't know call at their door.
He added: "These are despicable crimes that target vulnerable people who are unable to defend themselves.
"We are taking both incidents very seriously."
Anyone with information should contact Det Con Chappell, at Basingstoke CID, on 0845 045 4545 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
3:30pm Wednesday 19th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: dal, winklebury on 3:58pm Wed 19 Mar 08
yet more "big brave" cowards hopefully one day they will force their way into a home to find younger more able to fight back real men on the other side of the door to say hello to.
yet more "big brave" cowards hopefully one day they will force their way into a home to find younger more able to fight back real men on the other side of the door to say hello to.
Posted by: andy, Basingstoke on 4:12pm Wed 19 Mar 08
These individuals show no shame. There cowardly act against people that are unable to protect themselves is sickening.
lets hope they get the justice deserved to be passed out on such low life scum and I'm not talking about the slap on the wrists that the courts dish out.
Cowardly b******s
These individuals show no shame. There cowardly act against people that are unable to protect themselves is sickening.
lets hope they get the justice deserved to be passed out on such low life scum and I'm not talking about the slap on the wrists that the courts dish out.
Cowardly b******s
Posted by: jeanette, basingstoke on 6:58pm Wed 19 Mar 08
this is disgusting! how can these offenders get away with things, there should be harsher sentances, for scum like these people! the law needs to get tougher,
this is disgusting! how can these offenders get away with things, there should be harsher sentances, for scum like these people! the law needs to get tougher,
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