Hunt stepped up for bogus caller with e-fit photograph

An elderly resident living in Limetree Avenue became a victim of a distraction burglar on November 12, when a significant amount of cash was taken during the burglary.

The police have produced an e-fit of the man they are looking for purporting to be from Age Concern.

The incident occurred at approximately 3pm on Saturday, November 12, when the 78-year-old male resident let the man, who he believed was from the organisation, into his property.

After the smartly dressed man in his late twenties stayed for half an hour or so he left.

It wasn't long after the intruder had gone that the resident discovered a wallet containing a substantial sum of money was missing.

The man is described as aged between 28-30 years old, six feet tall, of slim build. He had dark hair that was parted on the side and a fair complexion. He was wearing a dark suit, white shirt and a brown tie. He spoke with an Irish accent.

DS Ieuan Watkins of the Monmouth CID said: "The incident in Wye-sham is particularly unusual as people wearing a suit on a Saturday afternoon in this area of town would be a rare sight.

"However, offences of this kind are, thankfully, very unusual, and I would advise people not to store cash at their home addresses.

"People with elderly relatives should try and ensure that money is banked. These people are the most vulnerable in society and they deserve protection."

If anyone has information call Monmouth Police Station on 01633 838111 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Police would like to take this opportunity to remind residents not to let anyone into their home without identification, always check identification before letting them into their house and check back with the organisation they say they are from before letting them in. If possible use a nominated neighbour card.

The Monmouth Free Press has reprinted its 'Bogus Callers' leaflet and copies are now available from our office in Church Street, Monmouth.