Police have released an e-fit of a man they would like to speak to in connection with two bogus burglaries in which the suspect is believed to have posed as a police officer.
Both incidents occurred on Friday, April 27, when the suspect called at two addresses purporting to be from the police and claiming he was there to check on the victims’ home security following a series of burglaries in the area.
The first incident occurred at 5.15pm on Allenby Drive, Beeston, where an 83-year-old female refused to let the suspect in.
A short time later, around 5.55pm, the suspect is believed to have called at a second property on The Crescent, Tingley. The 73-year-old female occupant allowed the suspect to enter her property where stole a large quantity of cash before leaving the scene in a white Ford Transit van.
On both occasions the man has been described as wearing uniform-style clothing, a fluorescent jacket, and was carrying a clipboard and a fake identity card.
DI Mark Waine, from City and Holbeck CID, said:
“We are conducting a number of enquiries into these incidents and would urge residents to be vigilant for bogus callers.
“Police officers, whether in uniform or plain clothes, will always carry an Identity card containing their photograph.
“If you are unsure, please call the 101 non-emergency number to check and confirm their name and collar number before letting them into your property.
“Remember, if you are cold-called by someone and are not happy with who they say they are please do not let them into your home.”
The suspect is described as a white male, aged in his mid- twenties to early thirties, 5ft 7″ tall, athletic build with short black hair that had a parting on the left. He was clean shaven and spoke well with what is thought to be a local accent.
Anyone who can identify this man or has any information about these incidents are asked to contact DC Darren Young at Holbeck CID via: 101 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously and in confidence, on: 0800 555 111.
