Gang force way into home of woman, 91

The bogus water workers were not allowed into the property but they used a metal bar to break the security chain off the door of the woman’s home in Park Drive and barge in to steal cash. The crime has similar hallmarks to one last month in St Eric’s Road, Bessacarr, where a woman of the same age was hurt when she was knocked to the floor by a gang of intruders who escaped with just 15.

In the latest incident, on Monday, the occupier answered her door with the security chain on to two white men claiming to be there to check the water supply.

After she refused to allow them in the men smashed the chain, barged into her home and forced her into her lounge. One of the men stood over her while the other two searched the house and took 140 cash.

All three men were white and in their 30s. One was of smart and tidy appearance, around 6ft, of average build with a tanned complexion. He had dark hair about an inch in length which was smartly cut. He was wearing dark smart clothing.

The other two men were 5ft 5ins and of average build. One of them had dark smartly styled hair and clean shaven.

Police communications officer Lindsay Rust said: We would like to advise elderly residents to be more vigilant at this time and ensure their homes are secure.”

Anyone with information about the robbery at 7pm on Monday should call PC Richard Clarke on 01302 385140 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.