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‘Shocking and despicable’ – Christmas presents stolen from elderly man in his own home

Posted on - 27th December, 2022 - 11:03am | Author - | Posted in - Crime, Lancashire Police, St Matthews
Lutwidge Avenue Pic: Google
The burglary happened in Lutwidge Avenue Pic: Google

Police are appealing for witnesses and doorbell footage after Christmas presents were stolen from an elderly man in his own home.

The distraction burglary happened in Lutwidge Avenue in the St Matthews area on Thursday 22 December.

An unknown female, claiming to have been sent by the victim’s cleaning company, entered the man’s home saying she was there to clean his bathroom. 

After spending some time upstairs, the victim, who is in his 90s, went up to find that the female had left the house and that two large bags of Christmas presents had been taken.

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Chief Inspector Chris Abbott, from Preston Police, said: “This is a shocking and despicable crime committed against a vulnerable member of our community which happened in his own home, a place where he should feel safe.

“This morning, I have visited the victim and seen the impact that this crime has had on him and his family. 

“Everyone should feel safe in their own home, and I want to reassure the public that we will do everything we can to find the offender and bring them to justice. 

“Distraction burglars often prey upon our most vulnerable residents. Our advice is not to allow anyone without valid identification access to your home and report any suspicious activity to police immediately.” 

Read more: Preston Police HQ welcomes new Operations Manager

If you have any information, call 101, quoting the number 0893 of December 22nd.

If you have been the victim of crime, you can call 101 or report it online.

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines

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