Handbag and mobile phone taken in distraction burglary, e-fit issued: Christchurch
(BH23 - Saturday, 3 December, 2011)

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward after a distraction burglary in the town - with an e-fit being released.

The incident happened just before 6pm on Friday 18 November 2011, at an address along Riverdale Lane in Christchurch where a man asked the occupant to check a wall upstairs for water damage.

The following morning the pensioner realised that a handbag and a mobile phone had been stolen.

The offender is described as:

• a white male
• aged in his fifties
• five feet seven inches to five feet nine inches tall
• stocky build
• brown thinning hair
• clean shaven
• wearing a dark three quarter length jacket
• carrying an A4 size case
• spoke with a deep southern Irish accent

Detective Constable Mark Colborne, of Dorset Police CID, said:

"I am now in the position to release an e-fit of the man who had approached the victim about the water damage.

"I would urge anyone who may have seen or heard anything unusual at the time in Riverdale Lane to contact police as soon as possible.

"I also need to hear from anyone who recognises the man."

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police Force: Dorset

Address:
Riverdale Lane
Christchurch
DORSET
BH23