A heartless thief posing as a Housing Executive worker was part of a gang who stole from a pensioner in East Belfast .
The crook called at the house of the man, who is in his 80s, and said he was there to check the water supply.
He was shown into the kitchen of the flat, in Tern Street in the east of the city , at 1.45pm on Tuesday, July 23.
Detective Sergeant Eric Fairfield said: "We believe at this stage two men then let themselves into the flat through the front door which had purposely been left open by the visitor. A short time later after becoming suspicious, the occupant checked the property and discovered the two men in his bedroom.
"Both men and the original caller to the flat then left the scene on foot towards Dee Street. The occupant was not injured but was left badly shaken after the incident and reported that a small sum of money had been taken. The man who called to the flat was described as being around 5’6” tall with dark hair.
"I would like to take this opportunity to remind people to treat with caution unexpected persons who come to your door. Bogus callers use many guises. They may offer to do work around your property. Other callers may seek to gain entry to use facilities.
"When your attention is distracted an accomplice may enter your premises via an unlocked door to steal cash and items of value. Often you will not be aware this has occurred until they have left. Genuine callers will carry I.D. Please ask them to provide their I.D. documents for your inspection before permitting entry to your home.
"I would ask anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the Tern Street area to contact detectives at Musgrave Police Station on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1069 of 23/07/19. Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."
Keep up-to-date with all the very latest news, what's on, sport and everything else in Belfast and beyond with the Belfast Live app.
Only select news that interests you by picking the topics you want to display on the app's homepage. Plus, our enhanced user experience includes live blogs, video, interactive maps and slick picture galleries. Download it now and get involved.
Click here to get it from the App Store or here for Google Play .
