Man wearing facemask told elderly woman he was checking her boiler 'for the council' before stealing jewellery

Northumbria Police detectives are calling on the public to come forward with information after a pensioner was targeted in a cynical theft.
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An elderly woman, of Glendale Avenue, Washington, had sentimental items stolen from her home after a man purporting to work for the council knocked at her door.

The incident – which happened at around 9am on Friday, September 25 – saw a man enter the woman’s address under the guise of being sent to check the boiler.

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The offender went upstairs and stole a quantity of jewellery – with the victim only becoming aware that her sentimental items had disappeared once he had left the property.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police.Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police.

An investigation into the theft has now been launched by the force.

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Anyone with information about the offender is being asked to come forward and share what they know with police.

Detective Constable Chris Sengelow said: “This was a cynical crime which we are treating seriously. It is totally unacceptable and anyone found responsible will be dealt with robustly.

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“The victim in this case did not get a clear view of the offender given he was wearing a blue facemask and a hat – but we still hope somebody living in that area might have seen somebody matching the description or themselves had a similar knock on the door.

“The man is described as between 5’9 and 5’11 tall, in his 40s with a possible dark beard and broad shoulders. He was said to be wearing blue gloves and a dark woollen hat.

“We are carrying out a range of inquiries into the incident and are now asking anybody who lives in the area who has information, or who believes they were approached by someone matching that description, to come forward.

“Your information, no matter how small or insignificant you feel it may be, could be the final piece in the jigsaw which allows us to ensure the person who committed this offence is arrested and brought to justice.”

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Contact 101 quoting log 639 300920 or use the Tell Us Something page of the police website to report any information you might have.

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