AN E-FIT has been released by detectives investigating distraction burglaries which targeted elderly victims.
On Friday a man entered the home of an 89-year-old woman in a block of flats in Sutton Lane, Banstead, at about 7.30pm, claiming to have found the lady's handbag and saying he had come to return it.
After the man, described as white, about 40 years old and wearing a dark beanie hat, had left, the victim discovered about £80 in cash had been stolen from her home. Less than half an hour later a different man attempted a distraction burglary in the same block of flats, this time targeting an 87-year-old.
Detective Constable James Cumming said: "These two incidents are obviously very concerning as the offenders have specifically targeted elderly victims living alone in a block of flats.
"The suspects had to force open a locked communal door to gain access to the block of flats and unfortunately both occupants appear to have left the front doors of their flats unlocked.
"Fortunately neither of the victims were harmed in any way but they were both understandably left very shaken and upset by strangers entering their homes."
Call police on 101, quoting reference RB/12/10534, or call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
