Robber takes advantage of elderly woman to steal her handbag in Milton Keynes

At approximately 3pm yesterday a man stole an elderly woman's handbag on Tweed Drive in Bletchley.

The woman was expecting someone to come round to fix her guttering after receiving a letter indicating that would be happening a few days earlier.

A male claiming to be this person was let in by the woman. He briefly pretended to be fixing the woman's sinks, removing a bottle of cleaning spray from under the sink.

At the first opportunity the man bolted, he took the woman's handbag with him.

Community Support Officer, David Huckle, based in Milton Keynes, reported the incident under official police reference number: 43210133922. He said: "If you saw anything suspicious around this time please call 101 and quote the above reference number.

"Although the offence occurred in Bletchley we are asking that you.

"Please remind all your elderly and vulnerable clients, relatives and neighbours that they should never open the door to a stranger no matter what story they are told.

"These criminals use the element of surprise to confuse their victims and the advice should be to STOP, THINK and TAKE TIME to consider what they are being told.

"If it is not a friend/carer/relative or a pre-arranged appointment, they should not open the door. They can shout through the door or letter box or use an intercom if fitted.

"Even if there is a chain fitted an elderly or vulnerable person can sometimes be persuaded or intimidated into removing the chain.

"Before going to the front door residents should ensure that their back or side doors and windows are closed to prevent anyone sneaking in unnoticed."

On the Thames Valley alert page where the officer left the appeal, he also attached a leaflet advising residents on how they can protect themselves against doorstep crime, which can be accessed here.