Pensioner robbed following distraction burglary in east Belfast

by Q Radio News

A man in his 90s has been robbed following a distraction burglary in east Belfast. 

It happened on the Circular Road shortly before 2pm yesterday. 

Police say a man wearing a yellow hard hat and a high-vis wasitcoat over a pale blue shirt, called to a house in the area and asked the occupant about work to his chimney.

The pensioner said he needed to make a phone call to check this and as he turned away, the suspect stepped into the man's hallway and told him he would need a deposit. 

It's believed the man then reached for his wallet and the suspect took it from him and stole the money that was inside it, before fleeing the scene. 

The man in question is described as having a Southern Irish accent, believed to be aged between 45 and 50 and around 5'6" to 5'7" tall and of a stocky build. 

A second man was also seen within the vicinity of the house, on the main road, however he did not approach the property.

Detective Sergeant Dave Stewart said, “This was a despicable and brazen act carried out in broad daylight at the home of a man in his nineties; a place where this man should rightly feel safe. 

"I want to appeal to anyone who was in the Circular Road area yesterday prior to, or after 2pm and saw a male, and saw a man matching the description of the suspect to call us.

"I would also appeal to anyone who saw any suspicious activity, including any vehicles in the area or who knows anything about this crime to phone detectives in Musgrave on the non emergency number 101, quoting reference number 636 of 27/03/19.

"I want to take this opportunity to remind people to treat with caution unexpected persons who come to your door. 

"Bogus callers use many guises. They may offer to do work around your property. Other callers may seek to gain entry to use facilities. 

"When your attention is distracted an accomplice may enter your premises via an unlocked door to steal cash and items of value. Often you will not be aware this has occurred until they have left. 

"Genuine callers will carry I.D. Please ask them to provide their I.D. documents for your inspection before permitting entry to your home. 

"I would also urge people to be aware of any neighbours or relatives that may be potentially targeted in this way. 

“please, pick up the phone and report any activity that raises your suspicions to police immediately. This is a good way to alert us so we can investigate and will help deter criminals and reduce crime in your area."