From man posing as heating engineer or Thames Water workman

Anyone with elderly or vulnerable neighbours in Acton Central should visit them as soon as possible and tell them to be vigilant. They should not open their doors to people they do not recognise, or utility companies that have not made previous arrangements for their visit.

A man is reported to be targeting old peoples' residences in and around Acton Central ward. He says he is fixing the heating. On one occasion he barged past a resident.

He stole a purse from one resident. At another property he was unable to gain entry. Both residents have given a similar description of the man.

He is described as a smartly dressed white man, approximately 23-25 years old.

Both times the suspect/s have used the pretence of working for the water board and needing access to the taps to turn the water off.

If you feel that any of your neighbours would benefit from a visit by a police officer, please forward their details to the relevant Safer Neighbourhood Team (see box right for telephone contact details).

There are also reports on the Forum of a couple of break-ins to a sheltered housing complex for the elderly in Spencer Road. Marie Siddique, who posted the warning, said that elderly people should be reminded not to leave their windows open as it leaves them vulnerable to burglars in search of an easy target.

June 10, 2009