08.12.25 Police urge caution after distraction burglary in Ipswich

Police are appealing for witnesses and urging residents to be cautious after an elderly victim lost hundreds of pounds in a distraction burglary in Ipswich.

The incident took place in Kelly Road between 4.26pm and 4.30pm on Tuesday 2 December.

A man claiming to be carrying out work at a neighbouring property approached an elderly homeowner and asked her to run taps in her bathrooms and kitchen. During this time, it is believed the suspect has stolen £500-600 from the woman’s purse whilst carrying out a search of the property.

The suspect is described as a white man, aged around 40, with dark hair. He was described as being less than 5ft 9ins tall and was wearing dark, work-style clothing.

This incident follows similar incidents in Bury St Edmunds and Newmarket in November where attempted distraction burglaries took place with men, claiming to be tradesmen, entered properties on the pretence of looking for leaks or having found one in the street.

Officers have been making numerous enquiries into the incident in Ipswich and other recent incidents and are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the man described or anything suspicious around the time of the burglary.

Residents are also being asked to report any similar incidents, including similar suspicious activity, for example people pretending to be utilities workers, trade workers or other professions in order to gain entry to a property. This can be reported to both police and Suffolk Trading Standards.

Neighbours, friends and family members are also asked to share this advice with elderly and vulnerable residents who may not see this appeal.

Crime prevention guidance, including asking for identification and only allowing booked trade workers to enter your property, can be found at the bottom of this page.

Door-to-door and CCTV checks have been carried out in the area, however, residents with cameras, or those with dash-cameras that were driving in the areas close to the victims, are asked to review any footage.

Any witnesses, or anyone with any information that could assist police enquiries, are asked to contact South CID quoting crime reference 37/68241/25, via:

Website – https://www.suffolk.police.uk/tell-us

Phone – Call 101

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Please note in the event of an emergency you should always call 999.

Distraction burglary crime prevention advice

Distraction burglars pretend to be someone they are not in order to gain entry to your home.

Common methods used by distraction burglars

How to prevent it

There are a number of things you can do to prevent distraction burglary. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about anyone at your door – genuine callers won’t mind.

Always remember 'if in doubt, keep them out':

If you feel threatened or in danger by the presence of the caller, call 999.

Avoiding fraudsters

Anyone who calls at your door should have some form of identification. You are well within your rights to ask for this and make a note of their details.

Never give out banking or personal details to anyone you’re unsure about. If you can’t be certain if a visitor is genuinely who they say they are, ask them to come back at a later date. This gives you time to verify their identity and perhaps also arrange for a relative or friend to be there.

Remember, it’s ok to tell visitors you’re not interested or ask them to leave if you aren’t comfortable. Legitimate visitors will understand.

Finally, if you suspect fraud, please report here.. The methods fraudsters use can be extremely clever - there’s no shame in having been caught out.

You can find the above and further guidance by visiting the below Suffolk Constabulary website. 

Annoying phone calls or unwanted visits | Suffolk Constabulary

Keep burglars out of your property | Suffolk Constabulary