Pensioner frightens off gang of would-be burglars (From Sutton Guardian)

Epsom pensioner frightens off gang of would-be burglars

5:00am Wednesday 31st October 2012 in News By Hardeep Matharu

A plucky pensioner managed to see-off a gang of would-be burglars who got into her her flat by claiming to work in the water industry.

One of the man entered the property in Nimbus Road, Epsom, at 4.45pm on Wednesday, October 17 after telling the lone occupant, a woman in her 60s, that he was there to check water valves.

She asked to see identification, but he ignored her and went through to the kitchen, turned on the taps and talked about water-related problems in the area.

When she momentarily left the kitchen, he let three other men into the flat.

But she challenged them and they fled, making a quick exit in a black, four-door saloon type vehicle.

The first man was white, in his 20s, with short cropped brown hair, slim, with a long face and good teeth, around 5ft 8in to 5ft 10in, and spoke with a southern accent. He was wearing a light blue, long-sleeved denim jacket and light blue dirty, scruffy jeans.

The second man was white, in his 20s, with short dark hair, and around 5ft 10in.  He was wearing a long-sleeved puffer or bomber jacket.

The third man was white, in his 20s, and was wearing a light fawn-coloured jacket.

The fourth man was white and in his 20s.

Following the incident, police officers from the Epsom and Ewell safer neighbourhood team carried out house-to-house enquiries and reassurance visits in the area.

DC David Sprague said: "This is a despicable attempt by a group of young men to target and steal from a vulnerable woman.

"Although nothing was taken in this instance I would appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious around the time of the burglary to contact officers with information as we need to catch those responsible.

"Do you recognise the man shown in the electronic image?

"We are keen to speak to this individual as we believe he may be able to provide vital information to assist with this ongoing investigation."

Information about keeping your property safe can be found by visiting www.surrey.police.uk

Anyone with information should call the police on 101 quoting reference EP/12/4098 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.