Surrey Police is reminding residents to stay vigilant following an incident where two men allegedly impersonated a pair of window cleaners to gain access into an elderly woman's home before stealing her jewellery.
The incident took place at an address in Winckworth Road, Banstead between 3.20 and around 3.40pm yesterday (Friday). The woman answered the door to a man that said he was cleaning windows in the road and asked for some washing liquid before forcing entry into her home.
A second man then appeared at the door and distracted the resident while the other man went upstairs into the 81-year-old victim's bedroom. She went upstairs to investigate and challenged the suspect who is believed to have taken a box containing jewellery.
The two men are then believed to have run away from the scene in the direction of Sutton Lane.
The first suspect is described as being white, in his early 20's, around 5ft 9" tall and being very thin with straight, collar length dark hair. It is believed that he was wearing black trousers, a thin black jacket or black long sleeved shirt and was carrying a black satchel type bag.
The second suspect is described as being a black man with light skin and a small round shaped face, in his early 20's, around 5ft 3" tall, with a medium build and having short black hair. It is believed that he was wearing an orange or red coloured jumper.
Three rings have been reported as stolen during the incident:
• The first is described as a gold band engagement ring with two sapphires on top with a diamond in between.
• The second ring is described as a gold band with single diamond on the top.
• The third is described as a white metal ring with an imitation diamond on top.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Lewis Flanagan, from East Surrey CID, said: "This was an appalling incident where an elderly lady was targeted by these shameful suspects who conned their way into her home.
"Although, thankfully the victim was not physically harmed during the incident she has been left incredibly shaken and traumatised by the ordeal.
"She is particularly upset at the loss of one of the rings, which may not be of great financial worth but is of extreme sentimental value to her.
"This incident happened in broad daylight and I am asking for member of the public to help. I am hopeful that someone must have seen or heard something.
"I urge anyone who saw two men matching acting suspiciously or in an unusual manner in the area at around the time of this offence to contact officers as soon as possible by calling 101.
"Similarly, we would like to hear from anyone who may have been offered jewellery matching the description of the stolen items or has the same design of that as a matching bracelet which is one of the photos. I urge you to do the right thing and contact police. Any information, no matter how small it may seem, could prove vital to the investigation.
"These two men cruelly prayed on a vulnerable person – help us bring those responsible to justice and reunite the jewellery with its rightful owner."
Detective Constable Flanagan continued: "I am advising residents, especially the elderly, to be extra vigilant.
"Always be on your guard with any unexpected visitors, however convincing their story may seem. Always check for authentic identification before letting anyone into your home and if you have any doubts at all, call the police for verification.
"If you have an elderly relative or neighbour please help by making them aware of the potential issues and keep an eye out for anyone that appears suspicious around their properties."
Officers are carrying out house to house enquiries and giving reassurance and advice to local residents as part of the investigation.