Police search for bogus gardeners following distraction burglary, e-fit: Chelmsford
(CM2 - Monday, 9 January, 2012)

Four months on from a burglary in Chelmsford, police are renewing their appeal for information and urging people to look closely at an e-fit of man wanted in connection with the crime.

Detectives need to trace two men claiming to be gardeners who stole a four-figure sum of cash from a 62-year-old woman at a house on Longfield Road on Friday, September 9, 2011.

Just after 10am the men offered to cut the woman's hedgerows for money but then stole the cash from inside her home while distracting her.

Investigating Officer, DC Anna Davison, said:

"We're really keen to trace a white flatbed van which had green writing on it and then hopefully we can identify these two men and arrest them for the wicked crime they have committed.

"They targeted a frail lady who was left completely devastated by their actions.

"As well as asking people to contact us if they recognise a van matching this description travelling in the Chelmsford area, we're also looking to identify both men and have provided an efit of one of them to help with the process."

The first offender is described as:

• a white male
• aged 50
• 5ft 4ins tall
• large stomach
• bald
• wearing a black top with lettering on it, dark trousers and yellow braces
• spoke with London accent

The second offender is described as:

• a white male
• aged in his 30s
• 5ft 9ins tall
• medium build
• straight dark-brown hair
• wearing black clothing
• spoke with London accent

Anyone with information in connection with this burglary is urged to contact detectives at Chelmsford police station on 0300 333 4444.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

NOTE: a 54-year-old man from Wickford was arrested in November in connection with this enquiry but was released without charge after being eliminated from the investigation.

Police Force: Essex

Address:
Longfield Road
Chelmsford
ESSEX
CM2