Water board conman steals from Oundle pensioner

A conman who claimed to be investigating water pressure stole £100 from an Oundle pensioner after tricking his way into his home.

Police have launched an investigation after a man in his 70s was targeted in Victoria Road.

At about 6.35pm on Saturday (February 1) the victim answered his door to a man who said he was investigating water pressure in the area.

The suspect was allowed in and stayed for between 10 and 15 minutes but stole £100 in cash.

A police spokesman said: "The suspect is a white man, aged 40 to 45 years, about 5ft 6in to 5ft 8in tall and of average build.

"He was wearing a knitted hat and jogging bottoms."

No arrests have been made and anyone with information or who may have witnessed this incident is asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101, quoting reference number 20000061491.

Last year police issued a warning after a spate of distraction burglaries across the county, including a similar incident in Corby.

At the time, Detective Constable Sam Lyman from the Northamptonshire Police burglary team said: “Many of these distraction burglaries are being committed by people pretending to be from the water board or similar trusted companies.

“Our advice is simple – unless you’re expecting someone as part of a pre-planned appointment, don’t feel the need to open the door to anyone.

“If someone is genuinely from the water board or a similar organisation they will be more than happy to show you identification or come back another time. Call the company to check and if you feel threatened then call the police immediately."