CCTV images: Royston pensioners targeted in widespread distraction burglaries
Police believe that this car may have been seen near to where some of the burglaries were committed. - Credit: Archant
More CCTV images have been released today after a gang of thieves targeted elderly and vulnerable people across the region – including Royston.
Police think this man may have information in relations to the offences. - Credit: Archant
In total police are investigating 35 distraction burglaries where older people have been targeted by the gang of between three and four people.
In the vast majority of cases, the offenders have created a false reason to gain entry to the property to steal, such as investigating a burst pipe, or repairing a water leak.
The victims have been mainly aged in their 80s and 90s, with one aged 94.
In November police released images of three men they wanted to speak to in connection with the crimes. Today they released more information and a photo of the distinctive vehicle which they believe has been seen at the scene of some of the crimes.
Police want to speak to this man in connection with the crimes. - Credit: Archant
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The vehicle, a three-door silver Audi A3 sport, has a sunroof which is not a common feature on this model. It is believed that a number of cloned number plates have been used on the vehicle during the offences.
Detectives from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s specialist unit, Operation Manhunt, who investigate distraction burglary crimes and burglary where the victim is aged 70 or over, have been working with other police forces to investigate these crimes.
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Det Insp Ben Wright, from Operation Manhunt, said: “We would ask people to look again at these images and please contact us if they can identify these men, or the vehicle pictured. We believe these men, who could be from the Islington area, could greatly assist the investigation.
“With the car in particular, we’d ask people to contact us if they believe they have sold this car to anyone, may have seen any suspicious incidents involving the vehicle, or have seen it parked or abandoned.
An evo fit image of a man police want to speak to in connection with the burglaries. - Credit: Archant
“Please do get in touch as soon as possible. Any information, however small it may seem, could prove vital to the investigation.”
Anyone with information should contact Herts police non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
