Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to a distraction burglary in Reading.
The incident happened in Sherwood Street, Reading, on 31/8, between 12pm and 4pm.
Three men approached the Reading home of a 91-year-old woman and told her that drainage work needed to be carried out in the area.
They were allowed into her property and once inside one of the men took the victim into the kitchen, shutting the door behind him to talk to her.
While they were in the kitchen the two other men searched the entire house and stole around £2,000.
All three men then left the Reading property.
Det Con Lynsey Kania, from Reading CID, said: “This is an awful crime where three men have deliberately targeted and elderly, vulnerable lady living alone and taken advantage of her trust.”
Reading Crime Reduction Officer John McNicholas added: “For the offenders to have been able to commit this offence they have relied on the co-operation of the householder.
“Once they are allowed in through the front door the situation becomes very grave and the risk increases dramatically.
“These conmen prey on the elderly and vulnerable but this type of crime is preventable.
“My advice is to get a door chain or bar fitted if you haven’t already done so and make sure you use it. But quite simply – if you are unsure, don’t open the door.”
Anyone with any information about this Reading incident should contact Det Con Kania via 0845 8 505 505.
Alternatively, if you do not want to speak to police or leave your name, please contact the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
Thames Valley Police ~ Reading
