'˜Heartless theft' by bogus callers

Two men visited a property on Tuesday, November 15, saying they needed to check the water pressure.

Whilst one man distracted the occupants, two women in their nineties, the second searched the house for valuables, according to Sussex Police.

The incident occurred about 12.15pm in Test Road, Sompting.

Several hundred pounds cash, saved for relatives’ Christmas presents, was stolen, police say, in an incident they describe as a ‘heartless theft’.

The two men were described as white, both in their late 30s, with one man wearing a long knee-length black coat and the second man wearing a grey short jacket and grey jeans or trousers.

Less than an hour later two men of similar description called at a house in nearby Blacksmith Crescent, using the same story to the 69-year old lady living there, police say. However they left without taking anything.

Detective Constable Gavin Percival of the West Sussex Priority Crime Team said: “It is important that anyone who preys on the elderly and vulnerable is caught and brought to justice.

“If you saw anything at all that may assist please do not hesitate to contact us.”

Any witness or anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting serial 708 or 751 of 15/11. Alternatively, members of the public can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Information can also be reported online at https://sussex.police.uk/contact-us/response-to-appeal/ or call 101.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.