Thief steals pensioner’s OBE after pretending to check her flat for a leak

"Preyed on": the suspect posed as a builder to gain access to the victim's flat (Picture: Metropolitan Police Service)

A woman who was honoured for 40 years of service to the NHS had her OBE stolen in a distraction theft at her home in Croydon.

CCTV footage shows the burglar strolling up to the woman’s door where he posed as a builder and asked to check her flat for a leak.

The 89-year-old, who asked to be named only as Joan, invited him in and he asked her to clear a cupboard for him to check the leak.

He then claimed he had to leave and she later realised he had taken her OBE, her purse and £120 in cash.

Joan, a retired pharmacist, said she would like the thief caught as “people that prey on old people are the worst kind”. Police described the suspect as a white man in his fifties, about 5ft 7in and with grey hair.

Joan, 89, had her OBE, her purse and £120 in cash stolen

There have been no arrests.

• Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.