E-fit released of Worthing distraction burglary suspect

Sometime between 2.20pm and 3.15pm on Monday, January 14, a woman in her 60s answered the front door of her Carnegie Close property to a man who claimed to be from Southern Water.

He said he needed to turn the water off in the house.

The woman let him inside and into the kitchen where he appeared to search and stop the tap.

The victim left the man alone in the property at times and when he left he said he would be back with some paperwork for her to sign.

However, he did not return and after he left the woman she realised cash had been stolen from the property.

DC Emma Cruise, of West Sussex CID, said: “This is obviously a very upsetting incident for the victim who has lost a large amount of money as a result.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who saw a man acting suspiciously in the Carnegie Close area or had a caller to their property in similar circumstances. “We would also like to hear from anyone who recognises the man in the efit.

“I would like to remind residents to always check the ID of anyone who calls at your house and never let them inside until you are sure they are who they say they are. This may mean you need to ask them to call back another time so you can check with the company they claim to be from.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police on 101 quoting serial 1120 of 14/1 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.