Worthing woman sees off distraction burglar

The suspect knocked on the door of a house in Cortis Avenue at around 5pm on Wednesday, April 14, claiming to be from the water board.

He said there had been an explosion up the road and he needed to check taps and water pressure.

He showed the woman who lived at the property a card with a photo and some initials, but no company name.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "While the suspect worked on the kitchen sink, he asked the lady to go and flush a toilet.

"She grew suspicious, recognising his actions as those of a distraction burglar and said that she was going to call a neighbour to help check the water upstairs.

"The suspect said there was no need, but the woman went to her lounge to call her neighbour and the man quickly left. Nothing appears to have been stolen."

The man is described as white, aged around 30, about 5ft 5in, of slim build with short dark brown hair. He was wearing a dark navy blue jumper and dark trousers.

Anyone who saw a man fitting this description in the area is asked to contact 0845 60 70 999.

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