Conman steals £5,200 from couple aged 92 and 88

Police have revealed that the man took the cash from a bank account after the man aged 92 and woman aged 88 found him in their home.

Detectives are linking the crime to another in which a woman shopping in Horndean had £1,200 stolen.

Officers have released CCTV images of three people they would like to speak to as part of their investigation.

A Hampshire Police spokesman said: ‘On Wednesday, March 16 an 88 year-old woman and a 92 year-old man returned to their home in Oakmont Drive in Waterlooville where they discovered a man talking in broken English in their kitchen.

‘He asked for help and that he needed a hospital. The victims gave the man directions and he left.

‘It was later discovered that a bank card had been taken from a handbag in the house and £5,200 had been withdrawn.

The victims described the man as:

• Eastern European.

• Aged in his late twenties.

• Skinny build.

• 5 ft 6ins tall.

• He was unshaven and had short dark hair.

The spokesman added: ‘On Sunday February 21 between 10:30am and 11am a 59 year-old woman from Havant was shopping at the Morrisons Store on Lakesmere Road in Horndean.

She placed her handbag and shopping in her car and returned her trolley to the trolley bay. At this point she was distracted by a man asking her for directions. When she returned to her car she discovered that her purse had been stolen from her handbag. Four of the victim’s bank cards were subsequently used to withdraw a total of £1,200.’

She described the man as:

• Eastern European.

• Medium build.

• 5ft 10 ins tall.

• He was wearing a light brown coat.

Investigating officer PC Paul Jennings said: ‘We are linking both of these incidents due to the descriptions given to us by the victims and because the victims had been shopping at the same supermarket. We think someone may have taken a note of their pin numbers while they were shopping.

‘Subsequent enquiries have obtained CCTV images of three people, two men and a woman, who may be able to help us trace the stolen cards, which appear to have been used in the London area.

‘I’d ask anyone who can help the investigation or identify those involved to call us on 101.’

A spokesman from Morrisons added it was doing all it can to support the police force’s investigation.

‘Our security team are working with the police,’ he said.

‘We would urge anyone using the cash machines to be vigilant and keep their PIN numbers secure.’

Anyone who has information should call 101 quoting 44160075057/44160109031, or contact police via the website hampshire.police.uk/internet/do-it-online/online-forms/message-for-officer.html

You can also call the charity Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.

Minicom users should call 01962 875000.