Conman steals cash from Portslade woman

A conman is believed to have stolen cash from a pensioner in her Portslade home.

Sussex Police issued a warning to people, particularly the elderly, to be on their guard against distraction burglaries.

The suspect said that he was selling Christmas cards and calendars when he called at the 82-year-old woman’s home in Newtimber Drive yesterday (Thursday 18 October).

She let him in and bought a calendar. When she went to the kitchen he stayed in the lounge before leaving.

She then noticed that £50 had been taken from her purse.

The man was described as white, aged in his forties, 5ft 6in tall, of large stocky build and with balding gingery hair. He was carrying a rucksack containing calendars and cards.

PC Duncan Lloyd said: “This is despicable, tricking an elderly woman who answered her door and offered to buy a calendar he was selling.

“People need to be cautious of answering the door to strangers.

“Any number of reasons are given to distract residents and we urge people to be extra careful, closing the door, check identity and be on their guard.”

Anyone who saw anything suspicious or who recognises the description of the offender is asked to contact Sussex Police on 101 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.