Nork Residents' Association

An E-fit has been produced of the suspect who is described as a mixed-race man, aged approximately 40, of stocky build and with short dark hair. He was wearing a dark grey and white jacket.

The first burglary occurred at about 4.40pm on Tuesday, 26 January, in a road off Sutton Lane, Banstead, when a man claiming to be police officer informed an elderly couple they had been burgled. The suspect offered to show the pensioners, aged 83 and 84, the damage caused and followed the couple into the house. Once inside the property the suspect stole a large quantity of money from a chest of drawers.

Surrey Police is reminding the elderly and vulnerable members of the community to be aware of bogus callers operating in their area.

Simple steps to avoid being tricked by bogus callers

• Before opening your door, check who is there and put the chain on

• If they are strangers, be sure to ask ‘Who are you? What do you want?’

• Always ask to see their identity card. Keep the chain on the door and check it carefully

• Take a note of the company, name and telephone number. If in doubt, phone the company and check. Genuine staff from utility companies won’t mind waiting or will call back later

The golden rule
‘If in doubt, keep them out’.

If you are at all concerned, call 999 immediately.

Five days later on Sunday, 31 January, an elderly Caterham couple returned home to find a man in their driveway again claiming they had been burgled and he would show them the damage. The suspect followed the 80-year-old gentleman into the house, in Harestone Valley Road, and advised the victim police officers were on their way. When the 78-year-old lady entered the house she told the suspect to leave and he did. It is not thought anything was stolen.

The suspect is described as a white man, average build, approximately 5ft 6’ tall, short brown hair, aged approximately 45, a round face and he was softly spoken with an Irish lilt. He was wearing a dark coloured long-sleeve T-shirt which had white writing on the front and dark coloured trousers.

Surrey Police officers always carry their warrant cards
Acting Detective Sergeant Lee Pocock, from the Pro-active Investigation Team, said: "On both occasions the conmen gained entry to the properties by claiming they had already been victims of crime and the suspects were there to help them.

"Surrey Police officers always carry their warrant cards with them and have identification readily available to prove who they are. In circumstances like this, when you believe you have been a victim of crime, it may be easy to forget to ask for identification, but it is so important elderly and vulnerable residents remain vigilant at all time.

"We have just concluded Operation Golden which was a three-month initiative aimed at reducing the number of distraction burglaries across the region during which our message has remained consistent ‘If in doubt keep them out".

"I would ask the Tandridge and Banstead communities to play their part and come forward with any information relating to these incidents. I would also urge members of the public to watch out for anyone acting suspiciously in their area or perhaps challenge someone you don’t recognise calling at an elderly neighbour’s house. By working together we can ensure vulnerable members of our community are safe and those who prey on them are locked up."

These simple steps will help reduce the possibility of being tricked by bogus callers.