Police have issued a warning to local residents following a spate of artifice burglaries in the Brentford area.

One incident in Brent Lea, which occurred on Wednesday 28th September at around 3.00pm, resulted in a 78 year old man being robbed of £2,400.  The elderly victim opened the door to two men who claimed they worked for the Water Board and had come to mend a leak.  Whilst one of the men created a distraction by actually causing a leak on the kitchen floor, his accomplice made his way through the house.  After the men had left, the victim discovered that £2,400 in cash had been taken from his bedroom and he contacted the police.  He was only able to give a description of one of the suspects as being 20 years old, 5'8" in height, thin build wearing a white jumper.

A second incident happened in Epworth Road, Isleworth on Tuesday 4th October at 2.00pm.  An 84 year old woman returned home from shopping and found a man dressed in a high visibility jacket, similar to those worn by refuse collectors, standing by her garden gate.  He told her that he had seen a group of children running away from her back garden with 'loads of money'.  Although the woman though that this was a little odd as her garden was enclosed, she allowed the man to come through the house and check the garden.  Whilst he was doing this the front door was left open and, police believe, it was at this point that a possible accomplice entered the premises and was able to search the victim's bedroom before making off with £2,500 in cash from her dressing table.  The suspect in this incident is described as a white man in his 50's and around 5'6" in height.

Police are asking that if anyone has any information regarding either of these incidents that they call PC Alexis Hall on 020 8247 5940.

Police are reminding residents across the Borough particularly the elderly and those on their own to be vigilant when unknown persons, trades people, or even apparent officials call at their homes.  They are reminded to ask for identity and to check it carefully.

If unsure then call the company they represent, whilst closing the door and asking the caller to wait.  A genuine caller will not object to this.  If you are still unsure or unhappy then do not let them in.

Remember "IF IN DOUBT KEEP THEM OUT"