Fake window cleaners tricked their way into a pensioner’s home and stole her jewellery, including a gold engagement ring.
Two thieves “cruelly preyed” on an elderly woman who unsuspectingly answered the door in Winkworth Road, Banstead, between 3.20pm and 3.40pm on Friday.
The man at the door claimed he was cleaning windows in the road and asked for washing up liquid before forcing his way in.
A bracelet with the same design as one of the stolen rings
Another man then appeared and distracted the woman while the first man ran into her bedroom. She went upstairs to investigate and confronted him.
The two men, in their early 20s, are believed to have taken a jewellery box before running off towards Sutton Lane.
Detective Constable Lewis Flanagan 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.”
The jewellery box contained a gold band engagement ring with two sapphires on top and a diamond in between, a gold ring with a diamond and a white metal ring with an imitation diamond.
The first thief was 5ft 9in, white and very thin and had straight collar length hair.
He wore black trousers and a thin black jacket or black long sleeved shirt and carried a black satchel.
The second was 5ft 3in, black with light skin and of medium build. He had a small, round face and short black hair and is thought to have been wearing an orange or red jumper.
DC Flanagan said: “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.”
DC Flanagan called on residents, especially the elderly to extra vigilant in the wake of the crime.
He said: “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 are reassuring residents as part of their investigation.
Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting reference 45140068616. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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