Warning after bogus water board official enters woman's home, e-fit issued: Charminster
(BH8 - Friday, 4 November, 2011)

Police investigating an attempted distraction burglary in the Charminster area of Bournemouth are releasing an e-fit of the man responsible - with officers continuing to appeal for anyone with any information to come forward.

At around midday on Wednesday, 12 October 2011, a man purporting to be a water board official convinced an elderly lady to let him inside her Seagull Road home.

This man asked to go upstairs to check some taps - the 70-year-old woman declined and he soon left.

Police Constable Heather Mullins, of Bournemouth police, said:

"I understand that this man told the victim that her water was making nearby residents ill and that he then pretended to check the pipes under the kitchen sink.

"The victim soon became suspicious and the man left shortly afterwards without taking anything.

"I am now able to release an e-fit of this man and I would ask that anyone who recognises him should contact me on 101 urgently."

The offender is described as:

• a white male
• five feet six inches tall
• average build
• short, fair hair
• wearing a dark jacket and jeans

PC Mullins continued:

"I am appealing for anyone with any information about the man responsible to contact me as soon as possible.

"I would also like to remind members of the public that unknown visitors should never be let into their home without first checking the person's identification.

"Genuine callers will always be happy to show ID.

"If anyone has any concerns, they should check with a family member or a neighbour, and anyone who notices any suspicious behaviour is urged to contact the police."

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:
Seagull Road
Charminster
Bournemouth
DORSET
BH8